Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The senior officials group has met twice on these matters and has almost completed its work. A range of implications have been identified by the Office of the Attorney General and Departments. It is incorrect to assume that the proposed wording should go straight to the people, as is, and there are no implications or there is nothing for the Government to do. The Government must check out what are the financial implications, whether resource or other issues arise, if the acknowledgement of rights is sufficient and correct and whether the constitutional language provides the necessary clarity.

Many issues are involved in this matter and any Government would have to look at them. There are a range of implications. For instance, are there unintended consequences? All these issues have to be teased out. This is a constitutional referendum. While I know a great deal of good work was done by the committee which came to a view on the matter, the Government has a responsibility, before bringing legislation to the House, particularly on a constitutional referendum, to make sure we know and understand what exactly is involved. We are agreed that we want to bring forward a referendum but we want to make sure we do so correctly and get the work done departmentally and interdepartmentally. When the Cabinet has been able to deal with the issues that arise, we will come and discuss the matter.

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