Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

There are two separate questions. To deal with Question No. 6 first, there are three constitutional amendments to be voted on in October. While the Taoiseach seems to focus on the particular issue of the abolition of the Seanad, three constitutional amendments have been committed to. However, there has been no consultation on the principles or details with any party in the House, which is regrettable. The Taoiseach gave a commitment to engage in greater consultation, but he is actually providing for less consultation on these fundamental issues.

With regard to the public vote, the Taoiseach has said that the Referendum Commission should be given much more time to prepare information for the public. Again, however, he is providing less time in the context of the forthcoming referenda. Will he explain why the promised consultations have not taken place? When exactly is it intended to deal with the details of the three referenda?

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