asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take steps to accord voting rights to English people residing in Ireland similar to rights accorded to Irish nationals resident in England.

The granting of voting rights at Dáil and Presidential elections and referenda to persons other than Irish citizens would require amendment of the Constitution and action to this end is not at present envisaged.

There is no citizenship qualification for voting at local elections.

Is the Minister proposing to hold a referendum on this?

No, but apparently the Labour Party are.

For worthwhile, constructive purposes.

When they are in a position to have it.

We will have it, have no doubt about that.

There is one thing certain. It was the Minister who lost the referendum.