Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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148. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the involvement of his Department on plans for the forthcoming referendum on divorce in May 2019. [51797/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Government has agreed to hold a referendum on divorce together with the European Parliament and local elections in May 2019.

I am currently considering the question of the scope of the amendment on divorce that might be proposed for the referendum. I intend to bring proposals to Government early in the New Year to ensure adequate time for parliamentary and public debate and for the Referendum Commission to be established and begin its work.  In that regard, my Department has considered issues relating to the scope of the amendment that might be proposed, including the various views expressed in the Oireachtas and legal advice.

I believe that it is important to have broad consensus in the Oireachtas for the proposal that will be put to the people. In that regard, I am currently engaging in consultations with parties and political groupings and I hope to conclude these consultations before the Christmas recess.