Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Naughten's comments merit a response. It is fairly obvious from our many engagements on this topic, both in the Chamber and beyond, that I fully appreciate the sentiments behind the amendment and the comments by both Deputy Naughten and Deputy O'Reilly. I do not just appreciate the proposal as I would probably largely agree with it, but I cannot support it. I will give a clear reason, making one point and one commitment.

The statement for the information of voters is intended to set out the proposal that voters are being asked to vote on. The statement has been drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General. Explaining the subject matter of referendums is a specific function of the Electoral Commission. In recent weeks, we have seen it come to the fore. To expand on the text that has been presented, which was drafted in the view of the McKenna–McCrystal principles, with the Deputy's proposed wording in his amendment would not be appropriate. I have to be guided by that, as he can understand. However, I appreciate that is not the answer he wants to hear. I will be more than happy to engage on the matter further. It is the task of the Referendum Commission, having been funded by the Government, to ensure the subject of the referendum is adequately explained.

Last week, I laid out in the House that I have the good fortune, for what it matters, to have been appointed director of elections for Fine Gael for the referendum. I believe Senator Malcolm Byrne is taking on that role for Fianna Fáil, and other parties might like to appoint someone in due course. We have already held four regional information meetings through the party, working with stakeholders. We will be spending a considerable amount of money informing people and encouraging them not just to vote but also to vote in favour of the proposal. I will be more than happy to open those engagements to people of all political persuasions and none and to make them as open and transparent as possible. As the Deputy might have heard, when we were together in Monksland in Roscommon last week, I highlighted quite clearly to its workers how important the referendum is to their jobs and how important it will be to existing and future patients, particularly given that the company does so much work on orphan drugs, which the Deputy mentioned.

The referendum is a big undertaking. Holding it on the same day as the European elections is good as it will increase the turnout. When people are thinking about wider European debates, they might take this matter into context. I appreciate that does not address the exact point the Deputy made but he will appreciate where I am coming from and what I am bound by. However, I wholeheartedly undertake to honour the commitment I have given. If the Deputy would like to establish a forum or hold a meeting in his part of the world, I will be more than happy to attend, with no political hang-ups or agenda, to address it and to inform and encourage on whatever terms the Deputy deems fit.

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