Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I congratulate Senator Minihan for his outstanding contribution to this debate. In addressing the House, Senator Minihan did not speak from the book of political theory but from the bible of political practice. He recounted, as Senator Ryan also did, what happened in the Cork North-Central constituency during the last election. It is a chilling reminder of what happens when individuals turn the sensitive issue of race and citizenship into a political football. Doing so is the last thing needed in this socially, economically and culturally changing republic. Unfortunately, the assured way of achieving this is by having a debate on citizenship and race when every town and townland will be discussing politics at local and European level. The political parties will be at each other's throats to win every vote they can. Throwing the issue of race into that political fire will only lead to a dangerous equation.

This motion calls on the Government to consult in detail with the Oireachtas before substantial decisions are made on this issue. However, this is no longer relevant because the decision was made yesterday. The Fine Gael Party requested that no prospective referendum be held on 11 June. I listened with interest to a very fair and balanced speech by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. However, he did not address the central question of the timing of this proposed referendum. The Minister and the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Dea, have addressed this issue as fairly as possible. However, selecting a date divided by party politics should have been the last one. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Dea, indicated on RTE that he was not in favour of having the referendum on 11 June. A number of Government Senators, the Leader of the House and the Tanáiste all expressed similar sentiments. I am disappointed by the Government's decision to opt for 11 June.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform claims that once a signal that restrictions are to be put in place is sent abroad, lawyers will advise people to emigrate to Ireland before the gate is shut. That is a weak argument. If the Minister wishes to commence public consultation and give an indication that there will be some restrictions, simply adding that they will be implemented retrospectively solves that problem. It is difficult to find one good reason why this sensitive and substantive issue has to be thrown into the melting pot of town and county council and European elections. I am not convinced by the argument of taking political advantage of large voter turnout. Substantive questions about the broader issue must still be asked and answered. This is an issue that needs to be addressed but there is no unanimity on how to do so. Until the proposed wording to the referendum is published, a definitive answer cannot be given. From the Minister's speech, it is clear that the Government is attempting to solve the problem in a fair and balanced fashion. However, such an approach will be negated by holding the referendum on 11 June.

The Senators on the other side of the House must ask their Government colleagues to reflect on what they have done. Voices from the coalface, such as those of Senators Ryan and Minihan, who had to deal with what happens when one or two politicians turn this issue into a nasty political football must be listened to. I fear what happened in the 2002 general election in Cork city may happen throughout the country in the forthcoming local and European elections. We cannot legislate for good political behaviour or reason and fairness. By setting aside a separate date for the referendum, the extremists and bully boys on both sides would be marginalised. The Government made a decision yesterday, but it can be changed. It has already indicated decisions on social welfare cutbacks may be changed. However, limiting citizenship rights is a graver issue. The Minister of State should express to his senior colleague, Deputy McDowell, and his party colleagues his personal view, which is, I believe, that this serious issue needs to be addressed. This problem needs to be rectified and regulated, but the worst possible way of doing so is to proceed with the proposed referendum on 11 June. I say that sincerely. We must approach this issue in a calm and sensitive manner. If we want to keep party politics and naked racist arguments out of the campaign, we should find a new date for the referendum.