Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
445. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there have been changes to the indicative timetable for the holding of referendums (details supplied) agreed on 26 September 2017. [24787/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra458. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to hold a referendum on Article 41.2 of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24387/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 458 together.
In September 2017, the Government decided on an indicative timetable for a number of constitutional referendums, including on Article 40.6.1 (blasphemy) and Article 41.2 (a woman's life within the home) to be held in October 2018, and on Article 41.3.2 (divorce) to be held in June 2019. I can confirm that these dates remain unchanged.
The Government has this morning approved the approach to be taken on Article 40.6.1 and I hope that a decision can be taken over the next weeks on Article 41.2. It is envisaged that the relevant amendment Bills will be initiated in this House before the start of the summer recess. This will ensure that referendum commissions can be established in a timely manner and that the commissions will have adequate time within which to begin their preparatory work.
