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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Nov 1972

Vol. 263 No. 3

Committee on Finance. - Referendum (Amendment) Bill, 1972: Committee and Final Stages

Question proposed: "That section 1 stand part of the Bill."

We have seen recently in a European democracy somewhat akin to ours a situation in which a substantial number of Members of Parliament were in favour of a proposal that Norway should enter the EEC, but notwithstanding the fact that Parliament was overwhelmingly in favour of that entry, the people in the referendum were equally emphatic that they would not enter the EEC. This is a clear case of a failure in communication between parliament and the people and it underlines the necessity to provide in referenda for a means of direct communication between Members of the Dáil and the people who send them here.

While I realise that there is urgency in relation to this Bill, and perhaps a difficulty therefore in providing for such a means at this stage, it is an unfortunate omission that we should have a situation in which the national interest could be very badly served if there was not a massive "yes" in favour of the two propositions the people are to be asked to vote on 6th December.

Question put and agreed to.
Appendix agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill received for final consideration and passed.
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