Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:67. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach the constitutional referendums he will hold over the period of this Government. [17146/16]
View answerTuesday, 5 July 2016
Questions (67)
Written answers
Under the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Government is committed to holding Constitutional referendums on the following matters:
- Article 41.2.1, regarding a "woman's life within the home"
- Article 40.6.1, on the offence of blasphemy
- Ireland's participation in the Unified Patent Court
- Giving the office of Ceann Comhairle constitutional standing.
I should add that the Programme for a Partnership Government also commits the Government to establish a Citizens' Assembly, within six months, with a mandate to look at a limited number of key issues over an extended period of time. While these issues will not be limited to those pertaining to the constitution, the Citizen's Assembly will be asked to make recommendations to the Dáil on further constitutional changes, including on the Eighth Amendment, on fixed-term parliaments and on the manner in which referendums are held.
The Programme for a Partnership Government also says that on foot of the recommendation of the Banking Inquiry, the Government will seek a review of the powers of Oireachtas Committees in conducting inquiries and, based on this review, will consider whether there should be a Constitutional Referendum to strengthen Committees' powers.
I should add that before any referendum would be scheduled, I would of course bring a proposal to Government and hold discussions with Opposition Leaders.