Some time ago, the Constitutional Convention, the Citizens' Assembly and the representatives from the political parties alike agreed that a referendum ought to be held on extending the voting rights in presidential elections to citizens living outside of Ireland and those living in the North of Ireland. Is the Taoiseach still committed to holding such a referendum next May? There is an urgency about this issue. It has been decided that this referendum ought to take place. There is a presidential election under way as we speak but, more to the point, citizens, particularly those living in the North whom the Taoiseach correctly vowed would never be left behind again, are looking to this measure as a level of reassurance at a time of great political insecurity.

I suppose they would have to on the basis that they do not have an assembly.

The answer to the Deputy's question is "Yes". It is intended to hold that referendum in May, at the same time as the local and European elections, on the issue of extending voting rights in presidential elections to Irish citizens no matter where they live. It is quite complicated because issues like postal votes, polling stations and so on have to be worked out but, given that the Presidency is a seven-year term, we believe changing the Constitution next May gives us enough time to get those systems in place, and we intend to do it.