Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I appeal to the Taoiseach to have the consultation before the Government brings forward recommendations, otherwise it becomes a process of notification as opposed to full, inclusive consultation.

I have a question about voting rights for holders of Irish passports. Sinn Féin tabled a motion in the Seanad which was voted down by the two Government parties even though the Taoiseach had given a commitment that this matter would be put to the constitutional convention. I also refer to the success, thus far, of the Irish global economic forum. I did not wish to raise this issue at the forum because I did not wish to embarrass the Government, considering the people who want to help us will not have a vote. I ask for clarification on this matter and I ask that consultation should happen before the decision is made.

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