Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The Labour Party does not wish to make a party political issue out of this matter. Agreement has been reached by an all-party committee, which we support. We are simply seeking to have that agreed position proceeded with. The motion before the House tonight states that the Government can set the date for the referendum. All we want from Government is a commitment that the referendum will be held in 2010. If the Tánaiste can give us that commitment, we will agree the motion. The question is simple enough. I do not understand the reason that commitment cannot be given. There is agreement in the House and, I believe, within the wider community that this is an important issue and that we need to proceed with it. As it happens, this issue is once again up for public debate in regard to the tragic death of Daniel McAnaspie. All we are looking for is a commitment from Government that the referendum will be held in 2010. If this commitment is given, we can agree the motion and move on.

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