Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I find the discussion on referenda somewhat bizarre given that it seems to be developing into a pattern. In the cold light of day the recommendation that we should have a referendum on the St. Andrews Agreement does not seem like such a good idea and the Green Party does not support it given that we thought the referendum on the Good Friday Agreement was the decisive referendum. A referendum on children's rights is proposed, but the Taoiseach has not advised the terms of the referendum — essentially he wants the Opposition to provide those terms. While I am very happy to discuss it, it would be useful to know whether the Taoiseach had given it detailed consideration before announcing it in the wake of the Ard-Fheis.

Does the Taoiseach have any wording in mind for a referendum on such an important issue as children's rights? Did he have a discussion with senior Ministers in his Cabinet in advance of making his announcement? It seems some Ministers were not aware of the announcement.

Will the referendum be as broad-ranging as possible and will deal with issues including the provision of schools, the protection of human rights, matters relating to crime etc? There are many aspects to a referendum of this nature. When will the Taoiseach sign off on the wording for the referendum? Is there a timeframe in place regarding the consultations in which the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, is engaging? Will he publish the provisions relating to the referendum? Will the Taoiseach provide a list of the organisations and individuals the Government intends to consult and will their submissions, which would be interesting to read, be published?

Will the referendum contemplate the fallout from the Baby Ann case? Will the amendment to the Constitution countenance children taking their parents to court? What will be the limit in respect of the referendum or has that been thought out? Will the Taoiseach indicate whether he plans to hold the referendum before the general election?

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