Constitutional convention hearings not expected to start until January

The first hearing of the 100-member Constitutional Convention will not take place until January, sources have confirmed, resulting in huge delays in its work.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dáil recently that the first convention meeting will be held on Nov 24 or Dec 1. But this will be an introductory session for politicians and citizens and newly-appointed chairman Tom Arnold, where Mr Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore are expected to launch the convention.

Its first weekend hearing — which will consider the voting age and the term of the presidency — will not be held until the end of January. In the meantime, training and information sessions will be provided to members. The convention is also awaiting presentations from civil society groups.