Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The question of information is important. Members are aware that the information campaign some years ago was based on putting forward an argument for and against on a referendum. That has been changed and it is now a public information campaign. A High Court judge will be appointed for the purpose and will put the commission in place. The commission has been successful in getting information to voters. As I said previously, funds will be at the discretion of the Referendum Commission to disseminate information - the kind of information Senator Barrett has outlined by way of the Schedules. All the issues will be out in the open, as they always are. I understand the Referendum Commission said some time ago that time was required in order to put forward a good campaign. That is why the Bill is before the House.

Other colleagues have inquired about the date of the referendum. I cannot give it. I understand it is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to make known. It is clearly the intention of the Government to hold the referendum in the autumn if the Bill is so passed by this House. In the normal course of events this will be a matter for the Referendum Commission, which has become expert at dealing with these matters and making sure that ordinary voters have information.

Senator Quinn asked a crucial question. I can confirm that reference to the abolition of the Seanad will be on the ballot paper. Second, assuming that this House passes it today or whenever, a resolution will come before this House, which is a statement of information for voters. It will go to every single household in the country, to every voter, outlining the statement upon which the proposition is made, the citation of the referendum, and it will be perfectly clear and obvious on that statement, as it will be on the ballot paper that the referendum is about the abolition of the Seanad.