Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I bring to the attention of the Tánaiste a potential Government cover-up regarding the upcoming referendums. On Monday, 12 February, the former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Senator Michael McDowell, accused the Minister, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, of hiding vital information regarding the upcoming referendums in March. Senator McDowell's allegations suggest a significant cover-up by the Government and it is a matter that must be urgently addressed. I am today calling for the Government to come clean and to tell the truth, which is difficult for this Government.

Why would the Minister refuse to share the detailed notes from the crucial meetings from the interdepartmental group which considered the two referendums? These were no ordinary meetings. They were discussions which have grave impacts on our citizens and on our Constitution. These notes could shed light on how the changes to our laws might impact on taxation, social welfare, pensions, immigration and even family reunification for asylum seekers, landowners, farmers and everything else. By withholding this information, the Government is simply keeping us all in the dark, which is not only unfair but downright disrespectful to the public. This is not just a few ordinary meetings that are being kept secret. There are notes from a staggering 16 meetings and correspondence with the NGO Treoir is also being withheld.

The excuse the Government claims is that it is too early to share this correspondence as it might sway the vote, but let us call it for what it is. The Government is deliberately delaying the truth until after we cast our votes. The manipulation and misinformation goes against the very principles of democracy. Even the Electoral Commission cannot provide us with a clear picture of the consequences of these referendums. They are essentially telling us we will figure it all out later.

There is a downright cover-up designed to keep us in the dark and prevent us from making informed decisions. We have every right to demand transparency and access to the relevant information before we vote. We must stand up against this injustice and demand the immediate publication of these crucial minutes. Given the Government's lack of transparency and accountability, it is clear that voting no is the only sensible choice. We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated by those in power who give precedence to their own priorities before those of our people, and we have seen that so many times. Will the Tánaiste commit to immediately publishing the detailed notes from these meetings of the interdepartmental group which considered the two referendums to ensure the public will be fully aware of the consequences and ensure full transparency ahead of the referendums on 8 March? It is crucial we have full information on what were not ordinary meetings but were 16 very important interdepartmental meetings over a long time, together with correspondence from NGOs. The people need to know the full truth.

See this speech in context