Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the first issue, that is a fairly old and limited report. It is three years old and was conducted on 140 students. I understand the matter is being addressed to the colleges. I do not think it is necessary for the House to debate a report of that nature.

On the question about the referendum, I stated my view yesterday and on Monday. We have listened to the views of the Opposition parties. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, and the people engaged in this matter are of the view that the issues should be taken together. There might be an argument in favour of two questions being put and we are open to considering it. I am not taken with the idea that we should hold two referendums on child protection in one year because the rights and protections issues are intertwined. It would be a case of holding one referendum now on the issue arising from the CC case, that of soft information, and then waiting until later in the year to take the others.

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