Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I previously spoke in the House on the issue of a 50:50 debate in respect of a different matter. When the judgment was handed down in respect of the issue to which I refer, there was a 50:50 split throughout the country. I am not being critical of that or any other judgment, I am merely making my views known in the Seanad as I am entitled to do. I have no wish to criticise the Judiciary or judgments handed down by its members but I must point out that society informs debate. In that context, both society and judges in this country are informed by the views of the entire populace. As far as I am aware, all of the parties that are represented in this House are in favour of the referendum. I also understand that all of the Independent Senators are in favour of it. All of the Members of the Seanad were democratically elected by people in this state. One could, therefore, say that, in theory, if proportional representation and democracy work, then everybody - those who voted for Sinn Féin, the Independents or whomever - in the State is represented by a voice in this House.

In light of what I have said, I am at a loss to know who is going to make the decision with regard to what will constitute a 50:50 debate in the context of the referendum campaign.