It would be "very difficult" to hold to a referendum on the future of Seanad Éireann on the same day as a general election, Minister for the Environment John Gormley said today.
Mr Gormley said it would be "very ambitious" to frame the legislation required for such a proposal in a short period of time.
"I'm not ruling it out but I think it would be very difficult," he told RTÉ Radio.
His party colleague Senator Dan Boyle said yesterday he believed it was "unlikely" a referendum would happen on the same day as the general election.
Mr Gormley said March 25th would be a reasonable date for a general election but that it was a matter for the Taoiseach to decide.
He said the Finance Bill needed to be passed before an election could be called.
Mr Gormley said work was ongoing on the Finance Bill as well as legislation on the environment, climate change and an elected Dublin mayor.
Minister for Defence Tony Killeen said on Sunday the Government will consider holding a referendum on the future of the Seanad on the same day as the election.
Labour spokesman on the Constitution Brendan Howlin said yesterday his party's new policy was to shut down the Seanad.
