A new website providing information on the Lisbon Treaty was today launched to educate voters in advance of June’s crucial referendum.
Established by the Referendum Commission, the independent body set up to boost public awareness on the issue, the site sets out what the treaty is about and how the EU will be changed if ratified.
The website launch comes just days after German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso visited the country to highlight the importance of a Yes vote.
The body will also set out the plans for its public information campaign at a
briefing on Wednesday and reveal the results of a poll assessing the level of knowledge on the treaty.
Environment Minister John Gormley made an order setting up the Referendum Commission on March 6th.
It has been allocated a budget of €5 million for its work.
It does not advise voters which side to take when voting, but merely informs them about the issues and encourages them to cast their ballot.
Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill, Judge of the High Court was appointed as chairperson on the nomination of the Chief Justice.
The other members are the Clerk of the Dail Kieran Coughlan, the Clerk of the Seanad Deirdre Lane, the Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly and the Comptroller and Auditor General John Purcell.
The website address is www.lisbontreaty2008.ie
Meanwhile the Government's summary guide to the Reform Treaty is currently being distributed to all households in the State.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern said the 48-page booklet in both Irish and English sets out in a clear and factual manner the treaty's proposed
changes.
"The distribution of this guide is part of the Government's efforts to ensure that the public are as well informed as possible regarding the content of the Treaty, which will be the subject of a referendum in June," he said.
"In addition to this guide, the Government has published a White Paper, explaining the Treaty's content in more detail.
"Earlier this week, the European Union published the consolidated version of the EU Treaties, incorporating the changes to be made by the Reform Treaty, once ratified. That document shows exactly how the Reform Treaty will amend the existing Treaties. It shows the legal framework that will apply if the Reform Treaty is ratified by all Member States."
Mr Ahern added that in the coming weeks the government will facilitate "the best informed public debate for any referendum in our history."
"I am confident that when people are informed about this Treaty, they will dismiss the myths being promoted by Treaty opponents and give a resounding Yes on polling day.
"A reading of the Government guide will confirm that there is nothing to fear and much to gain from ratifying a Treaty whose provisions are firmly in Ireland's and in Europe's interests," Mr Ahern said.