Independent TD Mattie McGrath has accused the government of “deliberately delaying the truth” due to its refusal to publish the minutes of interdepartmental meetings, after the minutes were requested by Senator Michael McDowell.
In response, Tánaiste Micheál Martin denied there was a “cover up.”
Speaking during Thursday’s Leaders’ Questions, Deputy McGrath brought to attention what he called the “potential government cover-up ” regarding the March 8th referendums.
“On Monday 12th of February, the former Attorney General and Justice Minister. Senator Michael McDowell accused Minister Roderic O’Gorman of hiding vital information regarding the upcoming referendums in March,” Deputy McGrath said.
He said the Senator and former Attorney General’s allegation suggested “ a significant coverup by the government,” adding that it was a matter that must be urgently addressed.
He said he was calling on the government to “come clean and tell the truth,” asking: “Why would Minister refused to share the detailed notes From The crucial meetings from the interdepartmental group which considers the two referendums?”
“These were no ordinary meetings.” the Rural Independent added, saying that such discussions would “have had grave impacts on our citizens and our constitution.”
Deputy McGrath said that the minutes from the meetings held over the last year “could shed light on how the changes to our laws might impact on taxation, and our taxes, social welfare, and indeed pensions and immigration.” He also referred to family reunification for asylum seekers, land owners, and farmers.
“By withholding this information the government is essentially keeping us all in the dark, which is not only unfair but downright disrespectful to the public,” McGrath said.
He claimed the government could be doing so as sharing the correspondence could “sway the vote.”
“Let’s call it what it is,” the TD continued, claiming: “The government are deliberately delaying the truth until after we’ve cast our votes.”
Deputy McGrath went on to call out what he described as “manipulation and misinformation,” which he said “goes against the very principles of democracy.”
“Even the electoral commission cannot provide us with a clear picture of the consequences of these referendums,” he further claimed.
“They’re essentially telling us we’ll figure it all out later … There is a downright cover up designed to keep us in the dark.”
McGrath told the House that people “have every right to demand transparency and access to the relevant information,” adding: “Before we vote we must stand up against this Injustice and demand that immediate publication of these crucial minutes.”
The Rural TD, who is advocating for a No vote, blasted the government’s “lack of transparency and accountability,” saying that it “is clear voting no is the only sensible choice.”
“We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated by those in power who prioritise their own priorities before they do for our people, and we’ve seen that in so many times,” he said, before asking Minister Martin if he would commit “immediately” to publishing detailed notes from interdepartmental meetings.
He said he was asking this “to ensure that the public will be fully aware of the consequences, and ensure full transparency ahead of the referendum,” adding it was crucial “we have the full information.”
Deputy McGrath said that 16 very important interdepartmental meetings had taken place over a long period of time, and that people deserved to access the information.
In response, Tánaiste Micheál Martin denied any wrongdoing on behalf of government.
“There’s no cover-up, Deputy,” he said.
“There’s been a series of cabinet subcommittee meetings, where things are teased out and discussed.” Mr Martin said that various options had been looked and and considered, claiming that the amendment to be put to referendum was “very basic.”
The Tánaiste went on to say that the definition of the family “should reflect current realties,” adding, “That’s all we’re saying to people.”
“I’m sure you’re a man that believes in cherishing all the children of the nation equally,” he told Deputy McGrath.
“42% of all children born in 2022 were born to an unmarried couple. Are we saying the Constitution shouldn’t reflect that? Are we saying they should be excluded from the articles of the Constitution?”
“We’re simply saying in that amendment that we want to cherish all of the children all the various family units, including couples with or without children, single parents and their children, and then you have grandparents who are raising children as well. We’re simply saying all of those should be covered by the new article. Nothing more nothing less,” he claimed.
Minister Martin went on to claim that people “are endeavouring to complicate it,” claiming: “People are raising all sorts of red herrings, which I don’t believe have real substance.”
He said that in terms of the women in the home referendum, the goal was to replace the amendment “with a provision that recognizes care in the home, without discriminating on gender.”
“In other words, care provided in the home by any member of the family,” adding: “The State should strive to support that. That is in essence what’s before the people. It’s modest but it’s an important change to our Constitution.”
He said that proposed changes were “good ones,” and had been “welcomed by many, many people who have felt excluded for far, far too long.”
In response, Deputy McGrath clapped back, with the opposition TD accusing Minister Martin of being “good at kicking the ball around the pitch and off the pitch,” adding, “[But] you won’t play the ball on the pitch, and you won’t deal with the questions you’re asked.”