Fair Deal review and referendum timing
Dara Calleary asks when the Fair Deal review will be published and debated and seeks confirmation of referendum arrangements; the Taoiseach promises publication within weeks and confirms the dates and legislation timetable.
This morning, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, announced that the review of the fair deal scheme was on the desk of the Secretary General of the Department. Is it intended to publish that review? Will a debate on it be scheduled?
Second, the Taoiseach announced on the television some nights ago that the referendum on marriage equality will be held on 22 May. Will the legislation to establish the referendum commission be introduced before the end of this session? Will the Taoiseach also confirm that the second referendum will take place on 22 May? Finally, will that also be the date for the by-election in Carlow-Kilkenny?
Comment on this
Yes, the by-election will be held on the same date, 22 May, as the referendum. The Bill will be introduced on time in accordance with the timescale. Also, it is intended to publish the fair deal scheme review and to have a debate on it in the House.