Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I wish to raise the issue of the treaty referendum as I am greatly concerned by how the Government parties in particular are dealing with it. The Seanad must hold further discussions on the referendum in respect of the debate that is under way. There is a lack of information and the old adage, which I will not repeat, in respect of not knowing may well apply to some people. I note some newspapers have begun to fill this gap and while they may be good newspapers, some of them have an historical record of being on one side of the argument. The Seanad needs to do more in this regard. For example, I am not aware whether a report was ever produced or published on foot of Members' long debate in this Chamber. It certainly has not been brought to my attention and I ask whether it will become available before the referendum date.

People are crying out for information and both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste must take the lead in this regard. It was highly unfortunate that they did not take part in the television debate hosted by Vincent Browne on Tuesday night. My own party has stepped into the leadership vacuum but I urge the Government parties to stop the rhetoric about Fianna Fáil as this referendum will only be passed with its support. I do not refer to support from the parliamentary party but from its voters nationwide and in this context, I refer to how Ministers persist in nonsensical attacks on my party. I single out the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, in particular in this regard. Almost all replies to parliamentary questions that he issues in the Dáil refer to some political matter relating to Fianna Fáil and the last Government. He must stop doing this because Fianna Fáil voters will not take it. While Fianna Fáil wishes to do what is in the best interests of the country, I believe our voters are being provoked continually. I hope the Government has had a change of heart since Deputy Martin's performance on television the other night. He has shown the leadership that is necessary-----