Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as an fhreagra cuimsitheach. I thank the Minister of State for outlining some of the technical detail involved. I note the important fact that the Minister for Foreign Affairs will be sponsoring the legislation going through both Houses. It is important that we have a key person, an anchor that can be identified and with whom we can work.

I appreciate that this is not the Minister of State's brief. I say this respectfully because the matter does not relate to his Department. The answer outlined to me today is almost identical to the one I got in November 2020. What we need to know is, crucially, when the referendum Bill will come before the Houses. When will the legislation be initiated? Will it be before the summer recess, for example? Will the Bill at least begin its journey? We know that we are dealing with substantial legislation currently, but it is incumbent on the Government to ensure it carves out the necessary time in the Dáil and Seanad. The Government will find the Seanad very willing to engage with it and to ensure the legislation is passed speedily. As the Minister of State says, the Bill is succinct. It is simple in what it is trying to do. We, collectively, should know we have a date to work towards to ensure the referendum is won. If the Minister of State is in a position, I ask him to tell us when it is anticipated that the referendum Bill will be initiated and brought through the Houses.