Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, a conservative estimate of 5.3 million people. Where did the estimate come from? Why is it considered conservative?

At the end of his speech, the Minister of State acknowledged that it is very much in his control to determine and set the scale of this overseas vote. Regarding a person with an Irish passport resident outside the State who may be able to vote in this referendum, the definition states it is a person who has been continuously resident outside the State for a period not exceeding that which has been prescribed by the Minister. It may be five or ten years. The evidence shown by academic experts is that the uptake of the vote, for example with the Mexican diaspora, was not as large as feared. Indeed, the provision may be changed by future Ministers.

It must be clear that this is not an abstract amount involving every person claiming Irish citizenship. This is an issue which can evolve and be changed. That is in the legislation and was acknowledged by the Minister of State at the end of his speech. However, it was not reflected in the beginning of his speech. We have heard again and again from the Minister of State and the Taoiseach about the millions of people who may suddenly claim a vote.

The Taoiseach stated he decided a Seanad committee should be established. He also said everyone supports reform but tends to be much less enthusiastic about change. It is the case that we hear much lipservice paid to reform. The Government, and Fine Gael specifically, has proved to be extremely unenthusiastic about Seanad change. The lack of enthusiasm was reflected by the Taoiseach saying that he would not stand in the way of anyone who brought forward legislation on Seanad reform. We did so on the first day of this Seanad. He has stood in the way of that legislation by seeking engagement in an implementation process with others.