Legislative Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022

Tuesday, 25 January 2022

Questions (344)

Neale Richmond

Question:

344. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3299/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government is committed to holding a referendum on extending the franchise at Presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State as set out in the Programme for Government and affirmed in the new Diaspora Strategy which was launched in November 2020.

To this end the Government restored the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill 2019 to the Dáil Order Paper. The Bill is presently awaiting second reading.

The Government has yet to consider the timing of the referendum. Before any referendum can be scheduled, relevant legislation has to be passed. My Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage continue to work closely on this issue to facilitate the holding of the referendum once the Government decision has been made.