First Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1939

Public bill · Government · Introduced

The First Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1939 would amend the Constitution’s rules on emergency powers. It would treat Ireland as being in a “time of war” not only when Ireland was itself fighting, but also when another country’s armed conflict created a national emergency affecting Ireland’s vital interests, provided both Houses of the Oireachtas agreed. This would allow laws made to protect public safety and preserve the State during that emergency to receive the same constitutional protection as wartime measures. The amendment would take effect immediately on becoming law.

Last updated 12 April 2018