Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I tabled this question before the result of the referendum became known. I would have much preferred if the result was otherwise but it is important to recognise the result. I hope my supplementary questions are taken in the context in which they are asked.

Is it difficult for the Minister to operate within the parameters of the McKenna judgment when dealing with a referendum? From the point of view of the Opposition, it is difficult. Will he agree there is something inherently wrong when in the region of 96% of elected representatives are given the same air time as 4% of elected representatives? I will give an abstract example. If a referendum were to be held on the question that the sun should shine every day, would it be necessary for the national broadcast media to provide 50% of air time to an opponent of such a concept? There is a mechanism whereby there can be abuse of the system if someone has access to that time. Has the Government any plans to look at the impact of the McKenna judgment on democratic representation? Has the Minister plans to look at how the role of the Referendum Commission might be changed, evolved or otherwise?

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