Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fearadh na fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. Gabhaim buíochas leis as ucht a chuid ama a thabhairt don cheist thábhachtach seo. The Minister of State is very welcome.

This straightforward Commencement matter does exactly what it says on the tin. I am looking for an update on the Government's plans for the proposed referendum to extend the franchise in presidential elections to citizens living outside the State, including the North. We hope a referendum on presidential voting rights will take place in 2019. It is important to note the work of Senator Billy Lawless on behalf of the diaspora community. There is growing consensus on the issue among people across a broad shade of political and civic nationalism in the Six Counties. I know that they have raised it directly during their engagements with the Taoiseach and his Government colleagues. The issue which is important in its own right has been highlighted particularly in the context of the jeopardy that hangs over us as citizens in the context of Brexit. I hope the Minister of State will be able to provide us with an update and appreciate his time.