Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

A constitutional referendum would definitely be needed to reform the Seanad in such a broad manner. The Minister, Deputy Gormley, said recently that certain reforms could be made on foot of the referendum that took place some years ago. A referendum would not be needed to allow the large proportion of people under the age of 35 who are graduates to vote in Seanad elections. Many of the reforms mentioned by the Minister, including some of the changes recommended by the committee chaired in the last Dáil by the former Minister, Deputy Roche, can be made without referendums. While we could make a number of reforms in that way, if we were to change the entire system we would definitely need a referendum, which would probably push this matter down the agenda for a considerable number of years. The Minister, Deputy Gormley, said he was examining the possibility of opening up the university panel system, which could be done in the short term.

Regarding the Deputy's first question, it is still possible that the two referendums will be held on the same day. It might mean changing the timescale slightly, but it is possible. I will discuss the matter with the party leaders to see what can be done. It might not be possible to have both referendums in May, but it is still possible to have them on the same day. We can discuss the matter. I have an open mind on it — I do not really mind which way we do it. Did the Deputy ask a third question?

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