Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Sep 1995

Vol. 455 No. 8

Written Answers. - Votes for Emigrants.

Michael P. Kitt

Ceist:

160 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment if the Government will initiate a debate on the question of votes for emigrants; if he will give a definite date for a referendum on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13002/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The Government intends to bring forward a Constitution Amendment Bill to provide for the direct election of three members to Seanad Éireann by Irish emigrants, in substitution for three of the 11 members who, under existing provisions, are nominated by the Taoiseach. It was originally envisaged that the referendum on this subject might be held on the same day as the referendum on divorce. However, the Government decided, and the decision has been widely supported, that the divorce referendum should be held on its own.

It is now envisaged that the referendum on emigrant representation will be held next year but, at this stage, I am not in a position to give a definite date. I propose, however, to promote debate on emigrant representation by publication, in the coming months, of the text of the proposed constitutional amendment as well as outline proposals for the implementing legislation which will be required if the amendment is approved at a referendum.