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

I agree with Deputy Stanton that it would make sense to passing legislation and then hold a referendum on the Unified Patent Court. I do not have the exact timelines in respect of this matter. I am always cautious about holding two or three referendums on the same day.

People have different views on that, however. You sometimes need a singular view or theme on a given issue in order that there will be a proper debate on referendum relating to it and that said referendum will be successful. We are holding referendums in November, but there is no reason that would could not hold a referendum on this matter in early 2024. We could just take it on, notwithstanding concerns about whether it would pass or whether people understand the complexities relating to the Unified Patent Court. We will just have to get used to holding referenda.

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