Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The vast majority of Members who spoke welcomed the announcement of the children's rights referendum. The purpose of the 31st amendment to the Constitution is to expressly recognise children in their own right within the Constitution. I certainly welcome Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin support for the referendum and the wording. It is important that the referendum be passed. It is the fundamental backdrop to the wider programme of change for children being pursued by the Government. As I have outlined, we will have the opportunity to discuss the referendum over three days in the week after next. Everyone will have ample opportunity to discuss the wording and any other matter relating to it. I note that many Members have welcomed the fact that the referendum will be held on a Saturday. I hope this will be a sign of things to come where elections are concerned and that many of them may be held on a Saturday rather than a Thursday, but that it a matter for another day.

Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the question of the new property tax. Given the economic damage inflicted on the State by an unbalanced tax system, the Government is committed to introducing a new local property tax to fund essential local services. This is in line with our commitments under the EU-IMF troika programme and was part of the original agreement signed up to by Fianna Fáil. A group under the independent chairmanship of Don Thornhill was established to consider the policy approach and modalities for a property tax. To date, the group has engaged in detailed work and an analysis of the submissions received. The report will feed into the Government's deliberations on the design and implementation of a property tax. At this stage the Government has not had an opportunity to discuss the report of Dr. Thornhill.