Sir, – While I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by David Farrell, Theresa Reidy and Jane Suiter on improving the referendum process (“Reform of referendum process long overdue”, Opinion & Analysis, January 4th), there is one additional referendum that the current Government have committed to during its term, in 2014, which the authors did not mention.
The establishment of the Unified Patent Court and Ireland’s participation involves a transfer of sovereignty from Ireland to an international court. Therefore a constitutional amendment is necessary in order for Ireland to ratify this agreement.
It was initially meant to be held alongside the referendums on the Court of Appeal and the future of Seanad Éireann in October 2013, but it was postponed until this year, possibly to be held alongside the local and European Parliament elections in May. – Yours, etc,
GRAHAM BUTLER
University of Copenhagen,
Faculty of Law,
Studiestraede 6,
Copenhagen.