Commission fears low turnout in referendum
The commission is the neutral body tasked under law with providing impartial information about the Nov 10 poll.
It will launch an extensive information campaign, involving media advertising, a website and a special guide delivered to households.
However, the chair of the commission, Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan, said it was concerned about the paucity of discussion in the media to date.
Asked if she feared a low turnout, she replied: “Yes, that’s the concern — that people would not be aware and would not turn out to vote.”
For that reason, she said she had written to RTÉ and other broadcasters requesting more time for commission broadcasts.
“At this point in the campaign, it appears to the commission that the amount of broadcast time and media space which will be given to debate and discussion on this particular referendum may be less than in other recent referendum campaigns.
“In light of this, I’ve written to all broadcasters asking them to increase significantly the amount of time they give to our broadcasts compared to what has traditionally been given in past referendums.
“I’m very pleased that RTÉ has already responded very positively, saying that they will allocate a substantial increase in time.”
RTÉ subsequently confirmed it would increase by 50%, from 22 minutes to 33 minutes, the amount of free time given to the commission for broadcasts.
The amendment, if passed, would insert dedicated children’s rights into the Constitution.
“Our central message is this: read the guide, inform yourself, check the register prior to Oct 23 to ensure you are on the voter register, and vote on Saturday Nov 10,” said Ms Justice Finlay Geoghegan.
* The commission’s guide is available at referendum2012.ie. It also has a dedicated phone line: 1890 270970.
