Ms Emily O'Reilly:

I know that very hard work has been done on this, particularly by the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath. Obviously, civil society has a huge role to play in this. There is no doubt about that. One of the more disturbing things about Hungary and Poland has been the attacks on civil society. It is classic stuff. Anybody who tries to challenge any part of the ruling orthodoxy is seen and depicted as an enemy of the people. This has particularly affected civil society groupings.

I am certainly not going to give my tuppence worth regarding the referendum on repealing the eighth amendment - been there, done that. Obviously, as a citizen and a woman, I look at it very carefully. I wrote extensively on the subject as a journalist in the 1980s when the original referendum took place. I also wrote a book about what had happened. It is very interesting for me to see the debate for a new generation. Some things have not changed while others have. It is a referendum and everybody will have their say. With regard to outside funding, I did follow a debate - not one relating to this referendum but one relating to the marriage equality referendum when there was an argument between Amnesty International and the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO with regard to money received by Amnesty International. If there is an element to it involving an EU body, conceivably, there may be some role for me. I cannot see it at the moment. Unless I am mistaken, SIPO would deal with those matters. The rules are there. Obviously, decisions will be made - whether by SIPO or through the courts - as to what is legitimate.

Regarding the questions about politicians from other countries coming in and they may not be members of a grouping that has Irish members, I assume it is valid for anybody to come in and be able to speak. I think Senator Richmond was referring to Nigel Farage and some people who came here the past week or two weeks ago.