Vol. 428 No. 5
2 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach his views on the recommendation of the Second Commission on the Status of Women that the Constitutional definition of the family should be referred to the Law Reform Commission for examination.
The family which is recognised by the Constitution is the family founded on marriage. The question of whether the same recognition might be extended to other relationships or situations is one which requires very careful consideration by the Government because of its far-reaching implications for marriage and for our society. It will receive that consideration, and the possibility of the Law Reform Commission being requested by the Attorney General to consider the issues of law involved will form part of the process.
When is this examination likely to take place? Is it likely to be completed before the promised referendum on divorce?
The Deputy can be assured that there will not be an avoidable delay in the examination of this complex matter, which will impinge on the type of society we want. It will get the urgent consideration it deserves. I cannot give an exact timetable on it now, but, as I said, there will not be an avoidable delay.
Is it envisaged that this examination of the definition of the family is likely to be undertaken and completed before or after the referendum on divorce? That is not a question relating to a timetable but to the sequence in which various events could occur.
The same answer applies. The examination will be carried out. It will get the due consideration required because of the complexities of the problems involved. I am not in a position to add anything further with regard to a timetable or the length of time it would take.
Will the Taoiseach agree, with all due respect, that he has not answered the question?
No, I do not agree.
Will the Taoiseach accept, given that one in five children born into this State is born into a family which is not based on marriage, that if we are to have a fair and equal society, our Constitution which is the fundamental document through which we are governed should protect those children and those families?
I am aware of all the complexities involved. The Deputy will agree that very complex legal decisions are involved. This issue will get the attention it deserves.
Will the review the Taoiseach referred to also address the very ambiguous statement in our Constitution which refers to women's place in the home and the question of them working outside the home which is equally discriminatory in relation to women?
The Deputy is well aware that this matter is included in our Programme for Government and will be acted upon.
When? I asked the Taoiseach if the review he spoke about earlier would also address that issue. Could I have an answer to that specific question?
It will be addressed in the context of the Programme for Government which is a programme for four and a half years and not two and a half months. The Deputy should appreciate that.
It is still not an answer to the question.
