Role of the Referendum Commission

Since 2001, the Commission's primary role has been:

1. To prepare one or more statements containing a general explanation of the subject matter of the proposal and of the text thereof in the relevant Bill and any other information relating to those matters that the Commission considers appropriate.
2. To publish and distribute those statements in such manner and by such means including the use of television, radio and other electronic media as the Commission considers most likely to bring them to the attention of the electorate and to ensure as far as practicable that the means employed enable those with a sight or hearing disability to read or hear the statements concerned.
3. To promote public awareness of the referendum and encourage the electorate to vote at the poll.

The legislation clearly defines the parameters of the role of the Commission in a referendum campaign. Despite this, there was some misinformed public comment about the role of the Commission. Some people still believe that its role is to provide the arguments for and against the referendum proposals, despite the fact that this role was removed 8 years ago and four referenda were subsequently held under the new provisions, prior to the second Lisbon Treaty referendum. Others saw its role as the arbiter of the arguments being advanced by either the Yes or No campaigns. This also is not the Referendum Commission’s role; however, in a number of areas, where the Commission considered that there was a matter of significant public concern and importance, it did decide to clarify matters and to provide appropriate information in relation to them.

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