Irish constitutional referendums, 1979

Two referendums were held together in Ireland on 5 July 1979, each on a proposed amendment of the Irish constitution. Both proposals were approved by voters.

Sixth Amendment

The Sixth Amendment to the constitution provided that orders made by the Adoption Board could not be declared unconstitutional because they were not made by a court.

Sixth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland referendum
Choice Votes Percentage
Yes 601,694 98.97%
No 6,265 1.03%
Valid votes 607,959 97.51%
Invalid or blank votes 15,517 2.49%
Total votes 623,476 100.00%
Voter turnout 28.61%
Electorate 2,179,466

Seventh Amendment

The Seventh Amendment to the constitution allowed the state to determine by law which institutions of higher education would be entitled to elect members of the Senate.

Seventh Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland referendum
Choice Votes Percentage
Yes 552,600 92.40%
No 45,484 7.60%
Valid votes 598,084 96.06%
Invalid or blank votes 24,562 3.94%
Total votes 622,646 100.00%
Voter turnout 28.57%
Electorate 2,179,466

See also