Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

We will debate the matter next week. This is the Seanad of all the talents. There is so much talent in the House, it is unbelievable, but that talent is under-utilised. I would like it to be used a bit more. If the children's rights referendum is held in 2012 in conjunction with the referendum on the abolition of the House, I will campaign on the retention of the House. The focus will be off the most important referendum ever held. We have neglected the issue. A new Government is in power, yet there will be no referendum.

The distinguished Senator van Turnhout had an input into this matter through her submission to the joint committee. According to the former Minister, Mrs. Mary O'Rourke, it was a good and important submission.

This is a contentious matter. If the referendum is not held this year, will it be held in 2012? Will it ever be held? Are the cold hands of the IMF, the European Union, the ECB and Mr. Ajai Chopra involved in this matter? Are those to whom I refer seeking to delay the referendum on the basis of the cost that will accrue to the State?