Independent Commission urges voters to “get the complete picture”
The Referendum Commission has today launched its public information campaign on the Lisbon Treaty referendum, expressing confidence that it would allow voters to understand the issues involved.
The Commission today began distributing over two million copies of its handbook to voters’ homes throughout Ireland explaining the Treaty. Its advertising campaign on radio, television, in newspapers, online and outdoors also begins today. Its information website www.lisbontreaty.ie has been operational for four weeks.
The information has also been converted into braille and audio by NCBI’s Library and Media Centre and has been sent out to all those registered on VIPER (Vision Impaired Persons Electronic Register). A large print version is also available.
Speaking at the campaign launch this morning the Referendum Commission chairman Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill said: “Today is the beginning of the Commission’s intensive campaign of engagement with the Irish public so that we can help them to inform themselves on the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty over the next four weeks.
“Voters will have enough information to allow them to understand the Treaty. We would urge them to come out and vote on June 12th.”
Over 20 creative ads will run on billboards, newspapers, postcards, websites, LUAS stops, train stations and buses in addition to original television and radio adverts.
The Commission handbook, which is published in English and Irish under the same cover, explains the proposals in the Treaty to change how the EU is governed, and the proposed change to what the EU does. The Commission has published this and further information on its web site, including information on how to check the register and how to register to vote.
The Commission is spending up to €5 million on its campaign. The Commission, which is independent, has two functions: To explain the subject matter of a referendum, and to encourage people to vote.
Concluding, Mr. Justice O’Neill said: “We are confident our campaign will help people to engage with the Lisbon Treaty and achieve a good understanding of the changes proposed by the Treaty and the Constitutional amendment that is proposed.”
ENDS
For a copy of the booklet in braille, large print or audio please contact David Waddell, Referendum Commission on 01-6395695.
Note on VIPER
VIPER was set up in 2003 by NCBI Library Services to facilitate sending out information in accessible formats. For further information on how to register with VIPER, please contact NCBI’s Lina Kouzi on LoCall 1850 33 43 53.