Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the commitment to hold a referendum on the abolishment of Seanad Éireann in the Autumn, his views on holding a referendum on the same day to allow for the establishment by the Oireachtas of specialist superior courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1372/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government has approved, in principle, the holding a referendum to allow for the establishment of a new Court of Appeal and a new Family Court structure and for the drafting of the necessary legislative schemes. Work to this end is progressing in my Department.

While the precise timing of a referendum on these issues is a matter for the Government to decide in due course, the intention is that it will be held on the same day as at least one other referendum.