Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Since the Bill on the EU reform treaty referendum has been published, a judge appointed and a commission set up, I do not understand why there is a difficulty in setting a date for the referendum. Is there a blockage or reason the Taoiseach cannot set a date on which the referendum will be held? I have attended a dozen and a half meetings on this matter to try to explain what the referendum is about, what is contained in the treaty, what it means and why we support it. From a party political point of view, the three dozen meetings I have laid out require the booking of halls or rooms, giving of dates to speakers and notification to allow party members and members of the public to attend. When will the referendum be held? Will it be held in the last week of May or the first week of June? There is a specific recommended period after the passing of the Bill before the question can be asked but it is high time we knew the date.

Will the Taoiseach clear up an issue for me? Some have stated he does not want to name a date because he is unsure as to when he must reappear before the Mahon tribunal but I assume the tribunal has nothing to do with this matter. Does he accept that not having a set date is adding to the confusion about the referendum? It militates against clear-cut arguments either way. I respect everyone's right to put his or her point of view to the people, whether it is the same as mine, but we need to know the date. Will the Taoiseach tell the House what it is and allow us to get on with our business?

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