Constitutional Convention Recommendations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 November 2014

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Questions (314)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

314. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason she is of the view that the question of the gender equality amendments to the 1937 Constitution proposed by the Constitutional Convention are so complex as to require a task force, even though Article 41.2 has been the subject of criticism from the Constitution's inception, and there is no shortage of previously available expert opinion in the public domain in this regard; and the reason it has taken this task force over a year to finalise its recommendations. [43193/14]

Oral answers (1 contributions)

Minister for Justice and Equality

As is indicated in the Question, there have been a number of recommendations over the years in regard to Article 41.2 of the Constitution. These recommendations are all different from one another and it is necessary to examine them and other options, in consultation with relevant Government Departments and the Attorney General's Office, to find the most appropriate wording to present to the People in a referendum. The report of the Task Force is nearing finalisation and I would hope to receive it shortly. Following consideration of the matter, I will bring proposals to Government.