Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

As regards a referendum, is the Cabinet considering the possibility of putting more than one question to the electorate to deal with the five propositions before us for consideration? What is the current thinking on that following today's Cabinet meeting? Has the Taoiseach considered the point made earlier about having the referendum or referenda on the same day as the general election to enhance the participation of the electorate in the referendum decision process? An examination of turnout for stand-alone referenda will show that there is greater participation in the poll when the referendum is connected with another electoral process. Would the general election not be the optimum opportunity to ensure maximum participation in the decision on these very important matters?

On the Taoiseach's legislative priorities, last week he mentioned his enthusiasm for the establishment of the all-Ireland civic forum. Is it a requirement that legislation will be introduced by the Taoiseach's Department or some other Department to establish the civic forum? If legislation is required, would it not be useful to commence the preparation and publication of that legislation so that it could act as a spur for the establishment of the civic forum? Does the Taoiseach expect that any further legislation will be required in tandem with or following the re-establishment of the Executive, the Assembly and the all-Ireland Ministerial Council, all of which, I hope, will come into play in the not too distant future?

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