Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is not even an ordinary full moon this week, it is a super moon. A few weeks ago we had the privilege of the Taoiseach coming to the House and he committed to returning to this Chamber before the Christmas break. The Leader will recall that during the course of the Taoiseach's contribution I asked him again about the time-frame for presidential voting rights to be extended to Irish citizens who are resident outside the State. The Taoiseach dodged the question masterfully ; it is no wonder he is the father of the other House. He did, however, commit to return here. Unfortunately, on Tuesday in the Dáil he indicated that there would be no referendum, as was indicated by the Minister of State with responsibility for the Diaspora and Overseas Development Aid, Deputy Joe McHugh. The Taoiseach said it was unlikely there would be a referendum on the issue before the next Presidential election, to be held in 2018. That is not good enough. The Constitutional Convention - the Leader and I discussed this via Twitter the other day - was very clear in demanding the enfranchisement of Irish citizens beyond the State. That includes people like me. I am aware that some Senators were a bit disparaging about having a Senator from Belfast in the House, but it would also include people like Senator Billy Lawless - who is in Chicago - and the people he stands up for and represents so eloquently and capably in the House. I would indicate to the Leader that in the North especially there is a lot of frustration, anger and hurt and it is not exclusive to Sinn Féin members or voters. It extends across the Nationalist family. At a time when we should be building and embedding bonds across the island we are seeing a delay and a hindrance to the ability to do that.Right across the board people want the opportunity to vote for the President. I hope the Government will take this matter seriously and reflect on it as one of human rights and equality. It is past time it acted on it and if it does not act soon, it will hear the response from citizens in the North and among the Diaspora.