Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I know that Senator Boyhan wants to speak. Fianna Fáil will support the plebiscite because it is for the people. However, the Government's approach to informing the public about the plebiscite risks losing the votes. There are serious questions about the Government's campaign and whether it really wants to implement this. It is not just about talk. The Government's decision to send the idea for the mayor of Dublin to a Citizens' Assembly is a delaying tactic. Dublin should lead the way in this new form of local governance and leads the way on much more. The Minister of State can see that we are now in the midst of Brexit. Dublin is our capital. We hear how Dublin is thriving every day here, yet Dublin is not included in this proposal. I feel there was a lack of communication with the public. I am out canvassing with people who are standing for the local elections on 24 May along with the plebiscite and the referendum. People do not even know that this is happening. This lack of information and awareness will be the most significant issue. People do not know what is happening on 24 May. I am concerned about it. I make sure to ask, when I go to doors, if people realise what is happening on 24 May. They say that they do not. I do not know what outcome will come from this because I feel that there was not enough information made available and awareness created by the Government. I am concerned about it.