Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2012
213. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeframe for the enactment of changes to family law legislation that are expected following the passing of the Children's Referendum. [53153/12]
View answerA challenge to the provisional referendum certificate has been made under the provisions of the Referendum Act 1994 and is currently before the High Court for determination. In light of this, it would not be appropriate for me to anticipate the enactment of legislation pursuant to the children's referendum held on 10th November 2012.
I take this opportunity to point out that the initiation of any changes in family law are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality. Regarding my area of responsibility, the General Scheme of a proposed Adoption (Amendment) Bill was published back in September, in conjunction with the publication of the referendum proposal, in order that members of the public would be informed of changes to adoption law envisaged for implementation arising from approval of the Constitutional change.
