I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 to 114, inclusive, and 119 together.
The Government's proposals for the Constitutional Convention, including its composition and the topics it will consider, have been made public on www.merrionstreet.ie. We propose that the topics to be considered by the Convention should be those outlined in the Programme for Government. The Programme makes it clear that, in addition to the items listed, the Convention is free to consider “other relevant Constitutional amendments that may be recommended by it”. It is the Government’s view, however, that the Convention should deal first with the topics listed in the Programme.
The Government has stated that matters on which there is already a commitment to hold a referendum, including Children's Rights, will not be within the scope of the Convention. It will be a matter for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to organise an appropriate consultation process in relation to the referendum on Children's Rights and I understand that she is doing this.
With regard to the composition of the Convention, we propose that it should consist of 100 members, including a chairperson. 66 members would be ordinary citizens. The remaining 33 would be made up of Oireachtas members and one parliamentarian from each of the political parties in Northern Ireland which accept an invitation to be represented. The Government is conscious that a number of organisations, representing various interests, have signalled a desire to be members of the Convention. However, as indicated above, the Convention is intended to be a forum mainly for ordinary citizens. Of course, the Convention can invite such organisations to make a presentation when matters in which they have a particular interest are being examined. They will of course also be able to make written submissions on any topic.
I recently met representatives of the Opposition parties and the Dáil Technical Group to consult them on the Government's proposals for the Constitutional Convention. They undertook to revert to me with their views. A further meeting is envisaged when all their views have been received.