Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding full civil marriages for gay and lesbian couples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48860/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Legislation providing for same-sex marriage cannot be enacted without an amendment to the Constitution following a decision of the people in a referendum on the matter in accordance with Article 46 of the Constitution. In this regard the Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a Constitutional Convention to consider constitutional reform on a number of issues including provision for same-sex marriage. I understand that the first official meeting of the Constitutional Convention, which will be chaired by Mr. Tom Arnold, is to take place in Dublin Castle on the first of December.