Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The constitutional convention will be established during the next couple of weeks by way of resolutions in both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Government proposes that initially the constitutional convention should look at two matters, namely, reducing the presidential term to five years and reducing the voting age to 17 years. The convention will be asked to report on these matters within a two month period.

With regard to Seanad Éireann, the programme for Government contains the commitment that a referendum on the future of Seanad Éireann will be put to the people during the term of office of this Government. Members, including on this side of the House, have expressed the view that the issue of Seanad reform should be discussed by the constitutional convention. However, the Government's position on the matter is clear: a referendum on the future of Seanad Éireann will, more than likely, be held during the latter half of next year. The Government does not intend to refer the matter of Seanad reform to the constitutional convention.