Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Minister. I have read my copy of the treaty and do not see anything in it that would have a negative impact on the ability of Ireland to make decisions in the area of foreign direct investment. However, the claim has been made that it would have a negative impact, similar to the claim that Article 48 renders the treaty self-amending.

Does the Minister agree that there is a danger that if much misinformation is released about the treaty, the general public will become confused? Does he envisage a role for the Referendum Commission in this regard? I have not yet seen its terms of reference — perhaps they have not been drawn up — but will there be a possibility for it to intervene if inaccurate claims are made? A grave disservice is done to the general public by the release of misinformation by either side. What I have seen thus far is that those opposed to the treaty are incrementally putting out misinformation and those who are for the treaty are refuting it, with the result that there is a failure to provide real information on the treaty. Does the Minister have any idea why the "No" side is putting out misinformation? Does he believe those involved are doing this on an incremental basis? Does he foresee any role for the Referendum Commission to intercede or give a view on the accuracy or otherwise of information released?

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