Survey shows 80% do not understand Lisbon

A survey released by the Referendum Commission today has found a very low level of understanding about the Lisbon Treaty among the public.

Unveiling its information campaign, the commission noted the survey found 80 per cent of respondents said they did not understand the treaty particularly well, or did not comprehend it at all.

Just 5 per cent said they understood the treaty, while 15 per cent answered that they understood it to some extent. A total of 30 per cent did not know the name or subject of the referendum. The sample poll was carried out for the Referendum Commission earlier this month.

Referendum Commission Chairperson Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill at today's press briefing. Photograph: Frank Miller

Comptroller and Auditor General John Purcell, a member of the commission, said it was not surprising there was a low level of comprehension about the treaty. He noted the survey's findings were in line with those on other issues and predicted levels of understanding would "rise considerably" in the run-up to the vote.

The independent commission, under chairman Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill, seeks to explain referendum proposals, promote public awareness of the referendum and encourage the electorate to vote.

Mr Justice O'Neill said today more than two million 14-page booklets outlining the main issues of the treaty are being sent to every household in the State, and that advertisements have been placed in the media ahead of the official campaign, which starts from May 21st.

A website, lisbontreaty2008.ie, has also been set up to explain the Lisbon Treaty and enable users to check the electoral register to see if they are eligible to vote. A lo-call phone service (1890 270970) has also been set up.

Mr Justice O'Neill observed the treaty "would not be favourite holiday reading" but that it was no more complicated than a finance Bill. He said the explantory booklet would use "simple but not simplistic terms", and would be an "engaging and accessible" guide.

Mr Justice O'Neill said the commission may decide to issue further statements if levels of public misunderstanding stayed high. But, referring to the booklet, he added that people were "not entitled" to say that they had not been informed about the Lisbon document.

The latest opinion poll on the Lisbon Treaty showed that the margin between the Yes and No sides had closed to four points.

The Taoiseach yesterday said that a No vote in the referendum on the treaty would be a "disaster for the country". He warned against complacency and a low turnout on June 12th, saying it would have "repercussions that would do immense damage to Ireland".

Ireland is the only nation holding a referendum in the 27-member bloc on the new legislation. If rejected it could topple the project designed to end years of wrangling over reform of the EU's institutions.

The Lisbon document would make changes to the way the EU is governed and would affect some EU activities.

For example, some decisions that currently have to be taken unanimously would be taken through a qualified majority vote. Areas concerned would include energy, asylum, immigration, judicial co-operation, and sport.

The European Parliament would also get more decision-making powers under the treaty, and a post of president of the European Council would be created.