David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank colleagues for their very important contributions. One question Deputy Chambers raised earlier concerns the timing of a referendum. Section 10 of the Referendum Act requires that a polling day order be made by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government as soon as the Bill is passed by the Houses. Polling must not be earlier than 30 days and not later than 90 days after the date of the order. The Government must also establish a referendum commission. As soon as the Bill is passed, this kicks in straightaway. That is why it is important we make sure what we do is correct and that the question posed is well discussed and teased out. There are always unforeseen circumstances involving any legislation or referendum, as we all know.

I am bit concerned that Second Stage of this Bill was taken on 6 April and we are now on Committee Stage less than three months later. We have not had time to examine the Attorney General's advice carefully, or for the Attorney General to examine it. It has been very fast.