Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

I am concerned to hear the Minister of State saying that Ireland will make its own decision. I thought that Ireland had made its decision and that a referendum on the constitution was to be held. Does the Minister of State agree that it would be totally wrong that our attitude to the constitution should be dictated by the opinions of the French and Dutch people? Will the Minister of State give us a guarantee or assurance that a referendum will be held to give the people of Ireland the chance to say "yes" or "no" to the constitution? Will the Government give leadership on this matter? The Taoiseach should not follow public opinion but should try to lead it, and convince the people that the European Union and constitution mean peace, wealth and development for Ireland, and that many other issues, which have nothing at all to do with the constitution, should be put aside.

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