Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

In his announcement of the referendum, the Minister said the legislation would end this practice. However, the best he can do is a further promise to amend the legislation which will be brought into the House if the referendum is carried to outlaw passports for sale. There has already been Private Members' legislation on this issue in the name of Senator Quinn. There is no complex draughtsmanship involved. We are entitled to be suspicious about this and to wonder whether the Government cares about the integrity of citizenship enough to deal with this issue.

I am convinced that rushing into a referendum on the same date as the local and European elections, without any period for reflection or consultation, is the worst way to change our Constitution and citizenship law. We have seen the huge problems a botched and hasty referendum can cause. We should not be in any doubt about this. Bruce Morrison said last week that this proposal could encourage people to exercise their worst instincts about newcomers rather than their best. Candidates on doorsteps whispering about how they will get rid of the people who get everything the State can hand out will only exacerbate that tendency. The Government knows that.

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