Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 2

Written Answers. - White Paper on Marital Breakdown.

Séamus Pattison

Question:

53 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the Taoiseach's comments to an English newspaper that a referendum on divorce will take place next year, he will outline when he proposes to publish the White Paper on Marital Breakdown in preparation for the promised referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mervyn Taylor

Question:

59 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the Taoiseach's statement that he proposes to hold another divorce referendum, he will outline the steps he intends to take to protect the position of women who are currently not joint owners in relation to ownership in the family home.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Flynn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 59 together.

I refer the Deputies to the response given by the Taoiseach to questions on the Order of Business on 5 June last, inquiries as to whether there would be a divorce referendum in 1992 and when the White Paper on Marital Breakdown would be published. The Taoiseach indicated that legislation on home ownership would be taken first, the White Paper on Marital Breakdown was expected to be available later this year and, after a national debate, a referendum would take place. The Taoiseach also indicated that no time limit had been put on the holding of such a referendum.