Even somebody as well known, media savvy and dynamic as the Taoiseach could easily have been missed at the massive demonstration for choice that took place in Dublin last Saturday. Among the tens of thousands of people were thousands of young students who were concerned and queried many Deputies there about the timing of the referendum next year and who would like to see it happen during the academic year rather than the proposed date of 8 June mooted by the Taoiseach. The reason is simple as many of them - thousands of students - leave the country as soon as their exams are finished to take up employment. Having campaigned very vigorously for the first time in their lives to have choice over their own bodily autonomy and a say in this important matter, they would be deprived of a vote. The vote on the same-sex marriage referendum took place in May so could the Taoiseach at least commit to doing his best to have the vote when the students are still around rather than when they would exit the country?

They can vote if they come back.

I like the new charm offensive from Deputy Smith. She called me well-known, media savvy and dynamic and I have not received such praise from the far left before.

I was slagging. It is not a charm offensive.

I thank her nonetheless.

I am not known for charm offensives.

No, but as always she was articulate and asked a very pertinent question.

It is very much my preference that the referendum be held in May rather than June in order that we maximise the number who will be able to participate in it. I have met student groups and said this to them. There is an all-party committee which is to make a recommendation to the House on whether there should be a referendum and also on the wording. As almost all of us accept at this stage that there will be a referendum, I look forward to seeing the committee's recommendation on the wording. It will then be up to the Government, or the House, to propose a wording. We will require legislation and a referendum commission, as well as time for a campaign. Based on that process which is the only one we can follow, the earliest we can hold the referendum is May. That is certainly my preference, but it is not something that is fully under my control. Ultimately, the Oireachtas will decide the date of the referendum, not the Government.