Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Kenny for his remarks and comments. We have worked together from opposite sides but as good colleagues for 30 years so I appreciate what he has said. I might say a few more words about that in a few minutes.

We have completed all the work the Cabinet set out. We have the referendum legislation. We have the White Paper, which was launched today. The campaign is, I think, up and running. All the various interests for and against, which is always good in a democracy, have put together their schedules. While we have not formalised a date, because I was to do that, it seems that Thursday, 12 June is probably the most appropriate date. I looked at the weekends, but the reality is that during weekends in June an enormous number of people are on the move, using their weekend breaks. While some people are going home others are moving out of town. It seems that the most appropriate date is the 12th and I will finalise that. We have not made a formal decision, but with the Referendum Commission and all the other issues in place, Thursday, 12 June is the correct day.

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