Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

I wish to share my time with Senator Leyden. I welcome the Minister to the House. I do not have the great problems with the Minister's timing of this referendum that others seem to have. I believe the core issue is extremely simple: there is an abuse of our Constitution and our citizenship laws. The people either decide to hand that matter back to the Oireachtas or they decide not to. That is the issue. I cannot see the merit or logic in the argument for having a protracted debate on this issue.

This issue surfaced in 1998 and since then much discussion and debate has taken place. As the issue arose on a constitutional matter, it was inevitable that the Minister would draw the conclusion that it must be put before the people. I cannot understand the reason to be fearful of asking the people for a decision.

To suggest that the referendum be postponed or deferred for further consultation and debate does not make sense. A campaign on a single issue, such as the referendum proposal, would encourage racism to a far greater degree than a multi-issue election campaign. By holding the referendum alongside elections, we will avoid racism, contrary to the assertions of opponents.

One of the problems in all democracies is declining voter turnout.