Sir, – Noel Whelan (Opinion, September 17th) urged more debate regarding the upcoming referendum concerning Oireachtas inquiries. It is unfortunate that this call has not been heeded: this referendum is arguably the most important since the foundation of the State. Unlike recent referendums concerning contentious social policy decisions, this referendum concerns a complex issue which will have significant impact on the rule of law in this country and requires more efforts to be made to inform voters as to the consequences of the vote.
A primary function of the 1937 Constitution was a clear demarcation of the powers of the State and while there has been considerable academic consideration of the change of these lines, there has been little public appetite in the wake of a headline-grabbing presidential race. It is important for people make a well-informed decision as the powers of the Oireachtas under this new regime will extend to every citizen and in particular, the third section of the referendum language allows for potential abuse for which legislation and regulation will not be a robust deterrent.
The electorate deserves more than an inexorable march toward indifference and it is the responsibility of the press along with the independent referendum commission to provide this before it’s too late. – Yours, etc,
