The State's 1.3 million households should each receive a copy of the Northern Ireland Agreement within two weeks, a Government spokesman has said. It is believed in Government circles the provision of the 35-page booklet to the public through Garda stations and post offices is not adequate to meet demand.

Plans are also under way to provide the State's 2.6 million voters with an explanation of the two referendums. This information will accompany the polling cards. The text of the agreement, published by The Irish Times on the Web within 30 minutes of its release, is available as part of the online supplement entitled The Path to Peace at http//www.irishtimes.com/