The Green Party is set to become the first party to call for a No vote in the proposed referendum on citizenship after its six TDs decided yesterday to recommend that the party oppose the Government's plan.
The party's deputies met yesterday in advance of a meeting of the party's National Council next Saturday.
After the meeting, the party's justice spokesman Mr Ciarán Cuffe TD said: "We want the Government to publish a Green Paper on citizenship prior to considering any referendum to change the Constitution."
He said his party would welcome a debate on citizenship, but that the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution should be given the opportunity to invite submissions and initiate discussions on the issue.
"We are deeply concerned at the decision of the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, to rush through a referendum in eight weeks' time", he said. "McDowell has selectively quoted facts to inflame the debate around the issue.
He has already backed down from his assertion that the Masters of the Maternity Hospitals wish to see a citizenship referendum.
"Citizenship is a complex issue that is a cornerstone of our democracy.
"We're disturbed that Minister McDowell is adopting a cavalier approach to such a crucial constitutional change," said Deputy Cuffe.