Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

A decision has not been taken on when the referendum will be held. As stated earlier in respect of the discussion at the European Council meeting in December, when I leave the House I will attend a meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee aimed at progressing the issue of the wording and dealing with the legal implications etc. involved with holding the referendum. I assure the Deputy that, following the publication of the legislation, the Referendum Commission will be granted ample time in which to encourage a good public debate on this issue. In light of the previous efforts of the commission when provided with such time, the low awareness figures to which the Deputy referred will be turned around quickly.

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