Cabinet agrees to establish constitutional convention

Plans will be announced in the coming days for the setting up of a constitutional convention which will examine issues such as allowing gay marriage and shortening the term of the presidency.

The Cabinet last night agreed to set up the convention and will announce final details following discussions with opposition parties.

The convention will involve a major public debate on the Constitution and how it can be updated.

A spokesperson for the Government said there was a feeling that the idea would not work unless there was “buy-in across the House”.

Issues to be looked at are likely to include:

* Making provisions for same-sex marriage.

* Shortening the term of the presidency from seven to five years, and holding the election in tandem with local and european elections.

* Giving citizens abroad the right to vote.

* Lowering the voting age to 17.

* Amending the clause on women in the home and encouraging greater participation of women in public life.

* Removing blasphemy from the Constitution.

Separate referenda have been promised on children’s rights and the question of abolishing the Seanad.

The agreement at last night’s meeting of the Cabinet followed criticism from Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin that there had been no consultation so far on the convention.

Opposition politicians will be consulted on the make-up and process of the convention and what it should discuss.

It is expected that 30 members of the convention will be drawn from the Oireachtas, 30 will be members of civil society organisations and other people with relevant legal or academic expertise, and 30 will be ordinary citizens.