Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Government discussed this matter this morning. It is the outstanding issue and we have put all of our efforts into providing what people have said they want. They wanted to see the Bill, the completion of the White Paper, which will happen shortly, the explanatory guide, the simplistic guide, the website set up and the date named. We have done all the other things, subject to the date. The Government has more or less signed off on the date within a range. However, because the Opposition has been helpful throughout, I wish to discuss this matter with Deputies Kenny and Gilmore. It really is a question about the day of the week. Subject to getting the views of Deputy Kenny, we are considering the second week in June. I am conscious the second Nice referendum was held on a Saturday. I am told the previous one was held on a Thursday, as was the general election. However, having elicited Deputy Kenny's views in this regard, we then will sign off.

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