Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 October 2017
120. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the commitment the Government has given on holding referendums on blasphemy, women in the home and divorce. [41643/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 26 September, the Government agreed an indicative timetable for a number of referendums on constitutional amendments, mainly arising from the work of the Citizens’ Assembly, the Convention on the Constitution, and the Programme for a Partnership Government.
Under this timetable and subject to passage of Bills by the Houses of the Oireachtas and formal confirmation of the polling date, it is proposed to hold referendums in October 2018 on the offence of blasphemy (Article 40.6.1) and regarding a woman's life within the home (Article 41.2), and in June 2019 on a proposal to reduce the length of the period or periods for which a couple must live apart before they can obtain a divorce (Article 41.3.2).
The amendments on blasphemy and women in the home arise from Reports of the Convention on the Constitution and are also promised in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
With Government approval, I propose to present the Bills to amend the Constitution on these matters in good time so that these referendums can be held as planned.
In regard to divorce, the Government decided to support the Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Divorce) Bill 2016, a Private Member's Bill introduced by Deputy Josepha Madigan. The Bill completed Committee Stage in the Dáil on 12 July. I am currently considering the issues raised by Deputies at the Committee Stage debate on the Bill and I will bring proposals to Government in that regard in due course.
