TDs have been banned from using the facilities of the Dáil to print information leaflets for their constituents on the contents of the Lisbon Treaty.
The decision was taken on the basis of legal advice that it would be contrary to the McKenna judgment governing the use of public money.
The decision was described as "incredible" yesterday by Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche, who was one of the TDs who was refused permission to print a leaflet in Leinster House in the normal way.
"This is a fundamental question. My personal belief is that TDs have a responsibility to inform their constituents on issues of public importance," said Mr Roche.
"Ironically, I could print details of capital sports grants but as a result of the way the McKenna judgment is interpreted in Leinster House I can't print information that doesn't canvass for a Yes or a No vote.
"It is astonishing in a democracy. I don't think any reasonable interpretation of the McKenna judgment would stop TDs in the course of their work in informing their constituents in a value-free way. This will apply to those on both sides of the argument.
"It is incredibly frustrating. The public relies on TDs and other public representatives for information.
"I don't believe there is any other country in the democratic world where such information could not be provided."
Mr Roche was told in a letter from the Houses of the Oireachtas that the decision to refuse permission for his leaflet had been taken "based on senior counsel's advice that material solely or substantially relating to the Lisbon Treaty may not be lawfully printed by the printing facility due to the fact that the printing facility is solely funded by the State".
