Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a number of issues around referenda. I think I am correct in saying that there have been six referenda since this Government came to power and that there will be at least another three prior to the next election. It could be argued that there is a need for a permanent Referendum Commission to manage the electoral process and, in particular, the referendum process. Another issue that arises is the funding of referenda and the need for both sides to be properly funded so that citizens have equal access to information around whatever issue is up for discussion. I commend those notions to the Taoiseach.

I support the Taoiseach's call for calm debate on the issue of same-sex marriage. The recent controversy on RTE's "Saturday Night Show" and the allegation by Rory O'Neill of homophobia and how RTE dealt with it and so on has highlighted the urgent need for legislation to give protection to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens who at this time do not have any legal rights. The Taoiseach said earlier that this matter will not be dealt with until 2015, which means these people will have to wait until then for this matter to be addressed. I think everybody is agreed that all citizens, regardless of their background, sexual orientation or gender, should have the right to equality of rights and opportunities before the law. I understand that the Government's view is that the issue of marriage equality cannot be dealt with until the Oireachtas has passed legislation in relation to children and parenting, which appears to me an unnecessary delay. The Minister for Justice and Equality has stated that the main reason for the delay in the next three referenda - perhaps this was a slip of the tongue - is concern in regard to turnout. Obviously, we have to do what the Government says in this matter. However, this is not acceptable now that there is a clear focus on the fact that a section of our citizens do not have the same rights as others.

The Constitutional Convention has dealt with a number of issues, in respect of which it has made recommendations. Some of the issues with which it has dealt include electoral reform, which debate I attended, whether citizens living outside this State, including citizens in the North, should be allowed to vote in presidential elections here, which debate I also attended, and the offence of blasphemy. It is important citizens can voice their views on such issues as soon as possible. Is there any possibility they will have an opportunity to do so before this term of Government runs out?

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