Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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575. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on constitutional reform on the matter of religious-based oaths for senior positions in the State (details supplied). [36288/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, a referendum would be required to amend the relevant provisions of the Constitution.

Articles 12.8, 31.4 and 34.5.1° of the Constitution respectively prescribe the wording of a declaration to be made by a person taking up office as President, as a member of the Council of State, and as a judge. The prescribed wording contains religious references: in each case the prescribed declaration includes a statement that the declaration is being made 'in the presence of Almighty God', while the declarations prescribed by Article 12.8 and by Article 34.5.1° also end with the words 'May God direct and sustain me.'

In relation to the reform of the declaration prescribed for judges, which is my particular area of responsibility as Minister for Justice and Equality, the matter is currently under consideration.