Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The fundamental issue when it comes to referenda is that Taoiseach essentially tells us what the Government has decided in terms of what issues it will put before the people. The Oireachtas was presented with a fait accompli in respect of the last couple of referenda. The root of the problem, in terms of how referenda are held here, is that regardless of what anybody else wants or what the constitutional convention recommends, the only proposals will come from Government to the Oireachtas and these matters are decided by Government in advance.

The Taoiseach referred to consultations and conventions. When it comes to referenda and the wording and timing of same, there has been less consultation in that regard during the lifetime of this Government than at any time in the past 20 years. There is a need for genuine consultation with all parties in this House in regard to the timing of referenda. This would, in my view, help enormously in developing a good level of consensus. I do not like saying this but the experience to date has been the holding of ticking the box-type meetings in the aftermath of decisions having been made by Government. This applies to a whole range of issues from Dáil reform to electoral reform and referenda. I do not believe that is an effective way of doing business. During the campaign on the Lisbon referendum, I held detailed discussions with Opposition party spokespeople on an ongoing basis, often taking on board suggestions in regard to wording and so on. I suggest that if the Taoiseach continues the current approach, the Government will lose more referenda.

In terms of the marriage equality referendum, which the Taoiseach suggested will be held in 2015, it would be in everybody's best interests if there was genuine consultation across all parties in terms of timing, wording and so on. There is a sense that the scheduling will have more to do with party political interests, including the likely needs of the Labour Party to overshadow a budget and so on. We want a respectful debate. There is no question but that it is within the capacity of this society to have such a debate. Fianna Fáil will be constructive in that regard in terms of creating the right space and environment for genuine articulation of perspectives and viewpoints. Referendum debates are important regardless of the issue involved. However, the debate on this issue will be particularly important. Fianna Fáil will be forthcoming and constructive in relation to that debate. I believe there should be genuine consultation on the issue well in advance of the referendum.

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