Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2015
318. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the role her Department will have for the forthcoming referendum on same-sex marriage in May 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3267/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the preparation of the legislation that will pave the way for the forthcoming referendum on marriage equality. The Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015 was published on 21 January of this year. The aim is that the Second Stage debate on the Bill will be held in this House shortly.
My Department is engaged in the development of the accompanying implementation Bill which will be brought forward if the referendum is passed by the people and will be designed to make the necessary adjustments in existing law, including marriage law, to ensure that the decision of the people is implemented. I hope to be in a position to publish the General Scheme of the implementation Bill in advance of the planned Second Stage debate on the Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015 so that there will be a clear indication as to the legislative changes that are intended to be brought forward if the referendum is approved by the people.
