Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

Thank you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. I would be delighted.

I note the condemnation of the Government's provision of information on the referendum. The previous referendum failed. A survey conducted on that referendum and surveys conducted on referendums in England demonstrate the strength of the old adage, "If you don't know, vote "No"'. We must ensure that people are informed.

At a conference of political studies, Professor Paul Wheatley from Essex clearly showed, using statistics from throughout Europe, that lack of information was a key factor in the British referendum on electoral reform. A survey done in Ireland found that 47% of people felt they were ill-informed about the referendum on Oireachtas inquiries. This was true even of people who intended to vote. The Irish Council for Civil Liberties was right to condemn the previous Government for not doing enough to inform the people. The Government was very cagey, knowing it would be criticised if it informed the people, and equally if it did not. The Irish Council for Civil Liberties also criticised the Referendum Commission for not doing enough to inform the people.

Elected representatives must not fall between a rock and a hard place because of the McKenna judgment. We must go out and give factual information. The Constitution, which we all admire, is a blunt instrument. It is difficult to decipher complex information and decide whether to vote "Yes" or "No". The people must be given factual information. There is a requirement that the Government not spend public money on promoting one side or another in a referendum. The people need factual information. Throwing a copy of the fiscal treaty, as it is written, in someone's doorway is not giving factual information. The Government should be entitled to explain what the treaty says in plain and simple language and not expected to list the reasons for a "Yes" and a "No" vote. Any Government is entitled to do that.

I would like the Irish Council for Civil Liberties to make recommendations, because I admire that body. If it criticised the previous Government for not doing enough to inform the people I would like it to get involved with the Government and say how the treaty should be explained to the people. Public representatives should get out and consult the people, listen to their views and come back to the Government. We have a duty of care. I am delighted to see most Opposition Members are helping the Government in its effort. Senator O'Brien and the rest of us are out canvassing for a "Yes" vote.

I ask the House to recommend that factual information be given. Listing reasons to vote "Yes" and "No" is not giving factual information. If I were required to do that I would have to make up good reasons to vote "No". That would not be fact. It would be my fiction.