The commission set up to run a public information campaign on the Amsterdam Treaty referendum has published a booklet containing arguments for and against to be distributed to all homes in the State.
The document, An Open Discussion - the Arguments for and against The Amsterdam Treaty, is the final publication by the Commission in advance of the May 22nd poll.
The arguments in it are based on submissions received by the commission, which were solicited through advertisements in the national and local press.
The document contains competing arguments on the treaty's provisions on Common Foreign and Security Policy, citizens' rights, free movement of people and police and judicial co-operation, EU institutions, employment, consumer protection, health and the environment.
The commission's public information campaign on the Amsterdam referendum was begun on April 20th this year.
It has produced two other publications on the treaty: one a summary of the treaty in question and answer form, the other a more detailed explanation of the issues involved. The commission has also placed advertisements in the broadcast and print media and produced public information broadcasts.
The document has been published in Irish and English. For persons with a sight disability it is being made available through the national Council for the Blind in braille and on audio tape. The English version is being distributed to all homes while the Irish version is being distributed by Foinse as an insert to its publication on May 17th.
Additional copies of the document in Irish and English are available from the Referendum Commission's Information Line (1850) 774433 and web site www.referendum-amsterdam.com