Professor David Farrell:

While we have a lot more referendums than most other countries, we also have a lot more referendums than used to be the case. The problem with our referendums is we have not developed the machinery for how to run a referendum properly. There needs to be a serious engagement with the referendum process and on issues to do with balance of coverage and the finances surrounding the referendum process. Obviously, that is outside the remit of this committee but there is a body of work to be done on the referendum process in Ireland.