Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

242. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the role her Department had during the marriage referendum campaign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19231/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department was involved in the preparation of the Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015, which contains the wording of the proposed constitutional amendment which is to be put to the people in a referendum on 22nd May. My Department also provided €1.5 million funding to the Referendum Commission, which is responsible for providing independent and impartial information in relation to proposals for constitutional change. In light of principles set out by the Courts, including in relation to the McKenna case, my Department does not participate in the referendum campaign.