Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

While I cannot yet anticipate the outcome of the Government decision, my impression is that the referendum is more likely to be held in the first rather than second half of the year. However, I cannot be held to that timeframe until a formal decision has been made.

I will ask the line Minister concerned to indicate to the Deputy whether primary or secondary legislation will be used to implement the directive to which he referred. I do not have notice of the matter.

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