Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

They have not taken place because the Bills have not yet been drafted. They will give rise to thorough and comprehensive consultations. The Government has decided to hold a referendum in respect of the Abbeylara judgment and the issue of whistleblowers because I do not want to preside over an Oireachtas with toothless committees. We all share a view on the need for accountability, transparency and responsibility. One of the things that was sadly lacking in previous Dáileanna in the past 25 years was the ability to provide for the compulsory attendance of and complete confidentiality for persons who brought to the notice of public representatives matters that should have been in the public domain. For that reason, the Government has decided as a priority to hold these two referenda on the same date as the Presidential election. I can confirm that work is proceeding seriously to have the Bills drafted. Deputy Micheál Martin and others will be consulted about them. The same applies in the case of the third referendum to be held on the question of judicial pay. The Deputy will be appropriately consulted, as will others, when that Bill has been drafted.

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