The Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill 2019 provides for a referendum to amend article 12 of the Constitution to extend the franchise to all citizens over the age of 18 who are not otherwise “disqualified by law”.

The proposed extension to the franchise was approved by the Constitutional Convention in 2013.

The referendum was originally expected to take place this November, but The Irish Times reports that it could be delayed due to the Government’s focus on Brexit and the four Dáil by-elections set for November.

Sinn Féin, which has pushed heavily for the extension in the franchise, welcomed the publication of the bill.

Leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “Now that the legislation has been published, government must lend its full support to the campaign for a Yes vote and support the bill’s passage through the Dáil and Seanad.

“We look forward to debating the bill itself over the coming weeks. It will be important that all stakeholders and the wider Irish community engage in this process.”