asked the Minister for Finance the approximate cost of the proposed referendum on the `pro-life' amendment as it is called.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Pro-Life Amendment Referendum .
23.
: The cost of holding a referendum at present cost levels is expected to amount to £750,000 approximately.
: Having regard to the current economic climate and to the apparent necessity for so many cutbacks in social services, does the Minister consider expenditure of this extent to be justified at this time? In view of the proximity of the Presidential, European Parliament and local elections is it the Minister's view that a referendum at this stage should be deferred to prevent unnecessary expenditure?
: The fact that we are having a referendum on the issue mentioned by the Deputy is one that results from a decision of the House and I would not like now to anticipate any course of action that would in any way contravene the expressed wishes of the House.
: Does the Minister, who is in charge of the Department of Finance, feel that the expenditure required for a referendum can be justified in the economic climate which he has referred to on so many occasions?
: I will make two replies to the Deputy. Obviously, the exact date on which the referendum will be held is a matter that will have to be considered when the Bill becomes law and I would not like to anticipate what decision might be made on that. It would seem to me, given the figure involved and the fact that we have here the reference of an important issue to the people, that this is a matter of sufficient importance to justify an expenditure of this nature.