Brendan Howlin
Ceist:62. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the constitutional referendums he will hold in the next 12 months. [15849/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 June 2016
Ceisteanna (62)
Freagraí scríofa
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.
A timescale has not yet been established for these referendums.
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 directly pertaining to the constitution, the Citizens' 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.