Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Senators Ruane, Higgins, Black and Flynn for these amendments and the sentiment behind them on improving accessibility and participation. It is important and something we all want to achieve. These amendments seek to amend existing provisions in order that, first, as part of an coimisiún's referendum functions, the statement it prepares and publishes to explain the subject matter of referendums be published in plain language; that is amendment No. 29. Second, amendment No. 30 proposes that print media be explicitly mentioned in the forms of media to which an coimisiún has regard to and the distribution of these statements. Third, amendment No. 31 proposes that the phrase "as far as practicable" be removed from the section's requirement that the means employed for the distribution of an coimisiún's statements explaining the subject matter of referendums enable those with a sight or hearing disability to read or hear the statements concerned.

On amendment No. 29, the matter of an coimisiún's public information material explaining referendums is an issue of best practice and an administrative matter for it rather than a matter to be addressed in primary legislation. Notwithstanding this, the referendum commissions from which this function is transferring have regard to a strong blueprint for ensuring the accessibility and ease of comprehension of such material. For example, in respect of previous referendums, versions of the referendum guide were produced in Braille, Irish Sign Language, video, audio, large print format and easy-to-read format for people with intellectual disabilities. I am confident these practices will be carried over and developed by an coimisiún toghcháin when it takes up its role.

Amendments Nos. 30 and 31 relate to the publication and distribution of an coimisiún's statements, which explain the subject matter of referendums, and are a direct transposition of section 3(1)(b) of the Referendum Act 1998. It is not proposed to accept the amendments as the general approach has been taken of avoiding the amendment of transposed legislation, save where necessary to take account of a transferring function or new organisational context, and the section as it stands provided that an coimisiún may publish and distribute statements relating to a referendum in such a manner and by such means, including the use of television, radio or other electronic media. As such, it is not limiting an coimisiún to particular formats. It provides flexibility for an coimisiún to publish statements by any forms of media it considers appropriate, and this includes print media.