Sinn Féin’s Seanad Leader Niall Ó Donnghaile has called on the Irish government to set a date for the long-promised referendum on extending presidential voting rights to those living outside the state.

Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said:

“The long-promised referendum on extending Presidential Voting Rights is an issue of equality and rights for Irish citizens.

“The government has already carried out extensive research and preparations and the constitutional convention in 2013 voted overwhelmingly in its favour as well as having support from political parties across the board.

“Draft legislation for the holding of this referendum was published in the last Oireachtas term; it’s now time to put that into effect alongside action on the fresh Programme for Government commitment.

“It’s time for the government to show that they value, respect and uphold our citizenship by setting a date for this referendum and working to ensure it is won.”