Helen Keogh
Question:23 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he has made any progress towards a regime of community property in marriage.
Written Answers. - Matrimonial Home Bill.
Mary Flaherty
Question:24 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he will undertake a public education information programme with regard to the Matrimonial Home Bill, 1993, as requested by Threshold.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together.
At the heart of any regime of community property is joint ownership of the family home. As Deputies will be aware, the President, in exercise of her discretion under Article 26 of the Consituation, has referred the Matrimonial Home Bill, which provides for such joint ownership, to the Supreme Court for a decision as to its constitutionality. The decision on that Bill may have implications for the action to be taken on the proposals of the Second Commission on the Status of Women for a system of community property.
With regard to a public information programme on the Matrimonial Home Bill. I am amenable to taking whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the public are made aware of the contents of the Bill and its implications. However, until the Supreme Court has reached a decision on its constitutionality I think that any information campaign at this stage would be premature.