Parliamentary Question addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to pass into law the Children and Family Relations Bill before the proposed referendum on civil marriage for same-sex couples; and if she will make a statement on the matter?

The Children and Family Relationships Bill, currently being drafted, is a high legislative priority. I intend to commence the legislative process on the Bill as soon as possible. It will ultimately be a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas, in their debate on and examination of the Bill, to determine the timing of its passage. The intention is that this would be achieved well in advance of the proposed referendum.