Ivana Bacik (Independent)

Like Senator Darragh O'Brien, I welcome the fact that we now have a text for the intergovernmental treaty, the so-called fiscal compact. I agree that we should have a public information campaign on the treaty and I look forward to debating it in the House. We need to reserve our position on a referendum until we hear what the Attorney General has to say. There is only one reason to hold a referendum, namely, to amend the Constitution. If the Attorney General advises that the Constitution will not be affected, there is no requirement for a referendum. Deputy Calleary accepted that as a point of principle.