Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have strong views on these matters.

On the question regarding education, I simply stated a dialogue was commencing. The suggestion that I am anticipating an outcome that would require a referendum is way off the mark in terms of where the discussions are currently. There are many detailed issues to be discussed. I acknowledge that in light of societal and social change and so on, there is a need to have in place modern governance structures, taking into account the constitutional entitlements of all citizens in respect of education and all types of education, including ethos based education. It is a complex issue, one which I am sure the Deputy will be aware will not be resolved overnight. It would be, in my opinion, a foolish person who would suggest that the outcome will be a constitutional referendum. We are not yet at that point in respect of that matter. However, I acknowledge the need for respectable debate in that regard.

As regards when the referenda may be held, the programme for Government states in respect of Article 41.2 that full consideration should be given to this matter in line with the renewed programme for Government. We are considering the matter in terms of how it should proceed. No decision in respect of timing has yet been made given the need to consider issues such as cost and so on. With respect, it is better to hold such referenda at a time when more than 30% of the people are voting. I would like everybody to vote on the issue on the day.

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