Constitutional convention preparations
Seán Ó Fearghaíl seeks an update on the constitutional convention’s membership and independent chair; the Tánaiste says it is intended to launch before the Budget and welcomes further Opposition consultation.
What is the position in respect of convening the constitutional convention? We raised the matter on the Order of Business last week and we understood we would be given an advice note on the matter. That has not happened. The challenge is to select the 66 members of the public, which is a daunting task. I also asked for consultation with Opposition parties in respect of the independent chair but there has been no update on this point. Does it look rather unlikely that the pet project of the Government will be launched this side of the budget?
Comment on this
It is intended to have the constitutional convention launched this side of the budget. We are making arrangements to have it announced and launched. With regard to consultation on its composition, there have already been discussions with Opposition parties. We do not have any difficulty with further discussion on it. We would like to see it done in a manner to which we can subscribe rather than in a partisan way. I have no difficulty with further discussion with Opposition parties.