As the Taoiseach rightly noted, the Constitutional Convention has done a considerable amount of work and has made recommendations to the Government on a number of issues. At this point, the Government's intentions with regard to the holding of the various referenda are unclear. The Taoiseach has just indicated that no referendum will be held during 2014 and that the next one might possibly be held in 2015. The window of opportunity for the holding of referenda, where appropriate, in respect of the recommendations made by the convention is narrowing, particularly in the context of the forthcoming general election.

The Constitutional Convention is currently considering its programme of work. Will the convention remain in place and are there other issues which it will examine? Where stands the Government in respect of this matter? Is it of the view that the convention should continue its work or should it simply close down operations until such time as some of its recommendations have been addressed by way of Government action?

I have already answered most of the questions posed by Deputy Kirk. The Constitutional Convention has made a number of recommendations. The Government indicated that a response would be given to the convention's reports within four months. It also indicated that if it were inclined to accept a recommendation made by the convention, then an indicative timeline would be provided. I have provided such a timeline. The Constitutional Convention is dealing with matters under the heading of "any other business" at present. It may well seek to be allowed to examine a number of other propositions which it considers to be important. Obviously, the Government will give the convention scope in this regard.

I am aware of the comments made by the chairman of the convention with regard to the level of engagement among members of the public with referenda in general. This is an issue which I intend to discuss with him. The convention will also need to reflect on the structure of the ballot papers used in future referenda. The latter is always a cause of concern to people.

In the context of the particular matter to which reference has been made and arising from the recommendation made by the Constitutional Convention - 79% of the members of which strongly support the holding of a referendum - the Minister for Justice and Equality is currently dealing with a range of family law matters which are quite sensitive and which need to be the subject of comprehensive discussion both in this House and at the relevant Oireachtas committees. In addition, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is dealing with the general question of adoption. In the context of the timeline, this and a number of other propositions put forward by the Constitutional Convention will - as the Government considers - be dealt with by mid-2015.