Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 111: To ask the Taoiseach how he plans to ensure that voices representing the interests of children will be represented on the constitutional convention; and if he will ensure there are representative voices advocating the interests of children included in its composition. [13635/12]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 112: To ask the Taoiseach if he will increase the scope of the constitutional convention to an examination of the fundamental rights provisions in Articles 40 to 45 of the Constitution. [13636/12]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 113: To ask the Taoiseach if he will commit to ensuring that matters pertaining to the interests and rights of children will be included in the scope of the constitutional convention, notwithstanding the consideration that a separate referendum on the rights of the child has been promised. [13637/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 114: To ask the Taoiseach if, in the context of the constitutional convention or otherwise, he will bring forward legal and or constitutional changes to provide for the abolition of ground rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13936/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 119: To ask the Taoiseach if he will include in the tasks of the constitutional convention the removal of the constitutional impediments to the abolition of ground rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13937/12]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 to 114, inclusive, and 119 together.

The Government's proposals for the Constitutional Convention, including its composition and the topics it will consider, have been made public on www.merrionstreet.ie. We propose that the topics to be considered by the Convention should be those outlined in the Programme for Government. The Programme makes it clear that, in addition to the items listed, the Convention is free to consider "other relevant Constitutional amendments that may be recommended by it". It is the Government's view, however, that the Convention should deal first with the topics listed in the Programme.

The Government has stated that matters on which there is already a commitment to hold a referendum, including Children's Rights, will not be within the scope of the Convention. It will be a matter for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to organise an appropriate consultation process in relation to the referendum on Children's Rights and I understand that she is doing this.

With regard to the composition of the Convention, we propose that it should consist of 100 members, including a chairperson. 66 members would be ordinary citizens. The remaining 33 would be made up of Oireachtas members and one parliamentarian from each of the political parties in Northern Ireland which accept an invitation to be represented. The Government is conscious that a number of organisations, representing various interests, have signalled a desire to be members of the Convention. However, as indicated above, the Convention is intended to be a forum mainly for ordinary citizens. Of course, the Convention can invite such organisations to make a presentation when matters in which they have a particular interest are being examined. They will of course also be able to make written submissions on any topic.

I recently met representatives of the Opposition parties and the Dáil Technical Group to consult them on the Government's proposals for the Constitutional Convention. They undertook to revert to me with their views. A further meeting is envisaged when all their views have been received.