Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

A date has not been set for the referendum. The Government will establish a referendum commission shortly after the legislation is published. The Government approved the drafting of the legislation at yesterday's Cabinet meeting. It has not yet been decided whether to hold the referendum on the same day as the referendum on the constitutional amendment on children. The Taoiseach has repeatedly stated that he has an open mind on this issue. Much will depend on the work of the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children.

While a decision has not yet been made on the future of Kosovo, people see which way the wind is blowing. The Government will be required to make a decision on recognition or non-recognition if Kosovo declares independence and is studying intently the legal basis upon which KFOR might continue. Ireland is also involved in a new ESDP mission with Garda participation. The Taoiseach and I have both indicated that we are willing, in principle, to continue to sustain Kosovo, which is a tinderbox. In the months ahead and depending on what might take place at political level, it will be important that the international community maintains its presence. We await a solid legal opinion from the Attorney General. We have a number of weeks to obtain it.

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