Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

In reply to the first question, it is almost definite that a referendum will be required during the life of this Dáil to deal with the outcome of the IGC on the constitution. Whether that is concluded in the first or second half of this year or next year, it will have to be dealt with. It will almost certainly have to be put to the people in a formal referendum. So the answer is "Yes".

I have not changed my mind on the second issue. The Government has done an amount of work over the last year on the issue of property rights, going right back to the Kenny report and looking to current issues and case law. We have had debates on it here and are awaiting the all-party committee report, which I understand will be out in a matter of weeks. We will then have to come to a consideration of whether this issue can be dealt with legislatively, which some people feel is the case. I have my own view and think it will probably have to be dealt with constitutionally. However, we will wait for the outcome of the report and the work that is being done around it, and then the finalisation of the Attorney General's advice on the matter. My commitment still holds.

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