The Referendum Commission has launched its public information campaign to explain the Fiscal Stability Treaty and to urge people throughout the State to vote. The Commission chairperson Judge Kevin Feeney said that its factual Guide to the Treaty would be delivered to all homes in Mayo between May 8 and May 18.
“The Referendum Commission is obliged by law to give a neutral and factual explanation of the treaty and that is what we will do,” said Judge Feeney. “Over the next two weeks we will deliver a factual Guide to the Treaty to every home in the State; run advertising on television, radio, in newspapers and online; explain important issues as they arise; and use social media to encourage people to ensure they are registered to vote.
“The treaty is relatively short and relatively understandable compared to previous referendum proposals. The commission’s role is to provide a broad explanation of the referendum proposal. It does not argue for a Yes or a No vote, rather it gives factual information in order to help voters to decide.”
The guide includes an introduction, a short summary of the Fiscal Stability Treaty, and some more detailed information. It also features the wording of the proposed new subsection which the referendum proposes to add to Article 29.4 of the Constitution.
The guide and the website are being published in Irish as well as English. There will be versions of the guide in Braille, Irish sign language, audio, and large print format to ensure those who have difficulty accessing conventional information material can inform themselves. For the first time the commission is using Facebook to encourage people to register to vote, Twitter to give information on its campaign, and Irish sign language on its information broadcasts on television.
The Referendum Commission has produced more detailed information for those who wish to know more about the treaty on its website www.referendum2012.ie It also has a dedicated phone line 1890 270 970.
