Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have not finished my point, a Cheann Comhairle. When Deputy Gay Mitchell submitted a parliamentary question seeking information on the number of non-national births in the State, he was informed that it was not available, yet the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform have it at their disposal. This is not the way to do business.

In his letter to me today, the Taoiseach stated that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will shortly bring to the House specific proposals on the reconciliation between Articles 2 and 9 of the Constitution. Will this be before Easter? Will the Taoiseach give a specific date for this? The Taoiseach also stated in his letter that he did not believe that the All-Party Committee on the Constitution was an appropriate forum for this matter. From reading between the lines, is it the Taoiseach's intention to hold the referendum on 11 June? If that is the case, will he say so and will the Government hold proper consultations with Opposition leaders about this sensitive issue which I want resolved and one in which I would be pleased to play a constructive and positive role?

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