Vol. 463 No. 3
43 Mr. Callely asked the Taoiseach the considerations, if any, that has been given to the findings of the McKenna case regarding the spending of moneys by the Government in referenda campaigns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6301/96]
I informed the House on 5 December 1995, in response to a parliamentary question from Deputy O'Dea, that I was examining the implications of the findings in the McKenna case for future referenda.
That examination is ongoing but cannot be completed until the full implications of the judgment of the Supreme Court in the current referendum petition (Hanafin) have been evaluated. The appeal in this case will not be heard until 30 April 1996.
44 Mr. Callely asked the Taoiseach if the Government intends to hold any referenda in 1996; the topics for consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6302/96]
As I outlined in the House on 28 November 1995 the Government is committed to initiating Constitution amendment Bills on votes for emigrants and Cabinet confidentiality. Since then, the Minister for the Environment published a consultation paper, incorporating the text of a proposed constitutional amendment on 12 March 1996, which will be considered by the Seanad and the Dáil Select Committee on Finance and General Affairs. The Constitution amendment Bill on Cabinet confidentiality is being drafted. I expect that the necessary referenda will be held sometime this year.
