Taoiseach hears opposition views on convention

Taoiseach Enda Kenny met members of the opposition yesterday to hear their views about the Government’s plans to establish a constitutional convention.

Mr Kenny told the group drawn from Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Dáil’s technical group that he intends to start setting up the convention before the summer break.

He informed the group that a budget of €300,000 had been provided and disclosed details of its composition, which will be a combination of politicians and citizens.

There were views expressed that the timeframe was not sufficient, but Mr Kenny held firm on the planned duration.

The first two issues to be discussed will be reducing the presidential term from seven to five years and reducing the age of majority from 18 to 16.

In a statement, the Government said it would be prepared to consider whether other topics could be considered at a later date, in the light of experience.