Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Deputies Kenny and Gilmore and others have discussed the matter on the Order of Business, but none of them took the opportunity to hold a referendum. Were it straightforward, an amendment would already have been made, but it has not. It took until 2007 to have a referendum Bill published and a protracted period was required for the committee to agree a resolution. It is not unfair to facilitate the Minister of State and the Government in tabling the proposal required to ensure whatever the House does is on a sure footing and is done in a way that seeks the approval of the people.

See this speech in context