Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I endorse what my colleague has said about the importance of a strong "Yes" vote in the referendum, for which Fianna Fáil is continuing to press the case. However, that task has been made more difficult by the Government's actions in this regard. It follows on from criticisms made during the fiscal treaty referendum and the rejection of the Oireachtas inquiries referendum last year. Lessons have to be learned. There is no point in discussing the merits of the Supreme Court judgment. That is the law of the land and must be applied.

I am concerned that an e-mail issued to Members of the Seanad before this debate from the Minister's private office with a press release calling for a "Yes" vote. Surely, the lessons should have been learned from the Supreme Court judgment today. It is not appropriate that a press release calling for a "Yes" vote should issue to us. It should not issue from the Minister's private office, as it did at about 5.30 p.m. when we all received a copy. I certainly received it. There must be a strong "Yes" vote and we cannot let this episode frustrate our efforts. The people must realise on what they are voting. Let all parties, please, work together to ensure a "Yes" vote, as otherwise the referendum may not be passed.