The Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has once again pressed Taoiseach Enda Kenny (pictured) to say he supports a 
referendum on same-sex marriage.
Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday in a debate about the forthcoming constitutional convention, Mr Kenny said that a referendum on the issue was “certainly feasible within the lifetime of this Government” but he would not confirm it.
He was responding to a question from Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin, who asked whether the Taoiseach expected a referendum to legalise same-sex marriage.
Mr Kenny said: “The question of whether there will be a referendum on marriage equality for gays and lesbians is a matter for deliberation by the constitutional convention. The Government will respond to the convention’s recommendation in this regard within four months.
“A referendum on this question is certainly feasible within the lifetime of this Government, but I will not confirm it now.”
Mr Martin asked whether such a referendum was an objective of the Taoiseach. Mr Kenny responded that such a referendum was “feasible” but refused to commit to it.
Mr Martin also urged the Taoiseach to allow special representation by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network on the Government’s Constitutional Convention.
He said that, given that the issue of same-sex marriage was on the agenda of the Convention, the Government “has an obligation to make sure those affected by the ban on marriage equality can participate in the discussion”.
Mr Martin said: “The only group in our society whose rights are being considered by the convention should, in my view, be represented. It is a fair point. The Taoiseach has made a special case of it by kicking it to the convention. He should make a special case now and allow GLEN to be represented.”
In response, Mr Kenny said that the Government had taken a decision that the Convention would be confined to citizens and public representatives from both the Oireachtas and the parties and from among those represented in the Northern Ireland Executive.
He said: “Of course, that does not mean somebody who is a gay or lesbian person cannot attend the convention, cannot send in submissions online – a facility that will be available – or cannot attend as a group to make a case to the constitutional convention, comprised of public representatives and citizens, so that this can be heard.
“That was a deliberate decision in order that we would not have a long list of organisations and groups saying ‘Well, if one is represented, we should also be represented’.
“The point the Deputy makes applies across the board to any group or organisation, which would be entitled to attend, send in submissions to or give evidence for consideration by the convention.”