Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

If there was ever a case for holding a referendum alongside other elections, this is it. The issue is simple but important and by holding the referendum alongside local and European elections, we will maximise turnout. After all, increasing participation in the democratic process is the reason the local elections are being held alongside the European elections. A low turnout, following a single issue referendum campaign, would result in a hue and cry from various quarters that the outcome was unrepresentative, irrespective of the result. The fundamental importance of the issue aside, it is for this reason that the argument for holding the referendum with elections is unassailable.

A further, all be it minor, consideration is that schools would have to close for at least a second day if a separate referendum were to be held. From my professional background and that of my wife, I am aware that some schools would have to close for three days due to particular local circumstances. This consideration also needs to be borne in mind.

The cost factor is important. A separate referendum would generate additional costs. I can see no reason to postpone the referendum now that a decision has been made to hold it on 11 June. Critics have made an issue of the haste with which the Minister announced the referendum. He has acknowledged, however, in every available forum, including both Houses, that he has been deliberating on this issue since taking office and has examined every conceivable means, legislative and otherwise, and consulted the Attorney General and others to determine the best approach to the issue.

Apart from the draft legislation he has proposed, the Minister is doing nothing more than affording the people an opportunity to decide on a problem, which everyone agrees we have. In holding a referendum, he is giving the public an opportunity to return to the Oireachtas the power to legislate on citizenship. The issue is simple and clear and debate ad nauseam or submitting the issue to special committees would not bring greater clarity.

Since last September, I have canvassed on doorsteps up to four times a week and can categorically assure the Minister that the only consensus on this issue is that we have a problem that needs to be addressed. I am frequently asked why we are not doing something about it. These questions do not emanate from racists. Incidentally, I too wish to put down a marker by stating that I have never believed the Minister to be racist.