Presidential Elections

Tuesday, 1 October 2024

Questions (18)

Matt Carthy

Question:

18. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 13 of 6 March 2024, the Programme for Government commitment to hold a referendum on extending the franchise at presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside of the State, and further to his own recent remarks in relation to this, if he has abandoned this Programme for Government commitment; if so, if he has informed his Cabinet colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39060/24]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Sean Fleming)

The commitment set out in the Programme for Government to hold a referendum on extending the franchise at presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside of the State remains in place.

The enabling legislation required in order to hold such a referendum is currently before Dáil Éireann (the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill) and its timing remains under consideration.

Once the legislation has been approved by the Dáil and Seanad, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage can then make an order setting the day upon which a referendum will take place.