Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government confirmed last week that the by-elections in Dublin Central and Dublin South will take place on 5 June. When does the Government expect to move the writs so that persons involved can then make arrangements for election material etc.?

I welcome that the Senate in the Czech Republic today approved the Lisbon treaty by the narrowest of margins. As I understand it, now that both Houses in the Czech Republic have given approval for the Lisbon treaty, this should not create a difficulty for President Klaus. Is it the Taoiseach's intention to resurrect the Oireachtas all-party committee dealing with the Lisbon treaty? When does he expect to be in a position to give an indication as to when the referendum might be held? Does he envisage it being at the end of September, October or November? I wish to know so that those of us who support the Lisbon treaty can start to put together a real campaign on this occasion in order that the people be properly informed in advance of giving their verdict and hopefully approval when the referendum is held.

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