Taoiseach rejects poll day referendum

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is against holding the Government's proposed referendum on children's rights on the same day as the general election.

Mr Ahern said the Government would be in a position to bring forward a referendum Bill within a week, and there was no reason a vote could not be held in early or late March.

"I would not propose holding a referendum on the same day as a general election. That would not be a good idea."

He was replying to Joe Higgins (Socialist Party, Dublin West), who asked if Mr Ahern was concerned that the start of a general election campaign in less than three months could hinder a comprehensive debate on what everyone agreed was a very important issue.

Mr Ahern said the matter had been discussed earlier and the Minister of State for Children, Brian Lenihan, had given an outline of his full proposal and wording.

"To give the parties more time for consultation, we will not proceed yet. There is plenty of time if we wish to do this. There are important issues to be dealt with if we can come to an agreement. The question is whether political agreement can be reached."

Mr Ahern said preparatory work at official level would be completed this week.

"These are not politically contentious issues. There seems to be comprehensive agreement on them, though they generate much interest in certain groups and individuals. We will wait for the Minister of State to complete his discussions with the parties," the Taoiseach added.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said there was no political disagreement on the requirement for a referendum dealing with the zone of absolute protection.

On the four other propositions, it seemed the advice of the all-party committee on the Constitution was not being followed, he said.

"The advice was that one can call a referendum, in an emergency, within a 30-day period, but that there should be real, public consultation about changes to the Constitution."

Mr Ahern said he took the point that people needed time to consider the issue.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said the omnibus referendum being proposed was quite complex.

"Notwithstanding the support I suspect will be forthcoming from all sides of the House for the principle that is being sought to achieve, careful scrutiny and wide public debate and consultation are necessary before we embark on an enterprise as serious as amending the Constitution."

He asked why the Taoiseach thought it necessary for the House to rush the referendum through by the end of March. "Given the broad support from all sides of the House for the principle involved, we should take the time to ensure that we do it properly."