Update on the Constitutional Convention; Referendum on abolition of the Seanad

In January and February of this year, the Constitutional Convention concluded their first two plenary sessions.  Bulletin readers may remember that the Convention was established in July 2012 and comprises of 100 members, including members of the public and parliamentarians. 

On 26 and 27 January 2013, the first plenary session deliberated on topics including lowering the voting age, decreasing the length of the presidential term of office and aligning presidential elections with those for local authorities and the European Parliament.  A narrow majority of delegates voted in favour of reducing the voting age, a narrow majority voted against reducing the presidential term of office while the vast majority of the Convention voted against aligning presidential elections with local and European elections.

On 16 and 17 February 2013, the second plenary session took place. The Convention deliberated on whether to amend Article 41.2.1 of the constitution which emphasises the role of women in the home. 88 per cent of delegates voted in favour of amending the article.  On the question of Government action to encourage greater participation of women in politics and public life, 97 per cent of delegates said they would like to see more Government action in this regard.  However, a proposal to amend the Constitution to ensure the State takes action to enhance women’s participation in politics and public life was narrowly rejected.

Click here to read an Irish Times article on the second plenary session  

The next plenary session is due to take place on weekend of 13 and 14 April 2013 and the Convention will deliberate on the provision for same-sex marriage in the Constitution.

Click here to see the Constitutional Convention Agenda for 2013

For more information and Convention documents please visit this website 

Meanwhile, in other news, the Government has announced that there will be three referendums held in early autumn, one of which will be on the abolition of the Seanad. An Irish Times opinion poll,with the exception of undecided voters, showed that 74 per cent of people said they would vote yes to abolish the Seanad and 26 per cent said they would vote no.

Click here to read an Irish Times article

Click here to read another Irish Times article

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