asked the Taoiseach if he intends to include in the proposed referendum amendments to the Constitution other than the pro-life amendment.

No.

Does this indicate a significant change of policy and direction on the part of the Taoiseach, given the oppositon of the Protestant churches to this sectarian amendment? This would seem to be completely contrary to the Taoiseach's much talked about constitutional crusade with its apparent aim at reconciliation.

The question relates to amendments to the Constitution other than the pro-life amendment. My reply was that it is not intended to have other amendments. My own view in the past has been that it would have been better to take amendments together but events developed in a different way and as a result this amendment is being taken at this stage.

Will the Taoiseach explain the urgency of this amendment given that he has talked for some time about amendments which he feels are desirable and urgent in view of the divisions in the country? Does he not accept that this amendment at this time will exacerbate those divisions and go contrary to his own often stated policy?

The Deputy should not make a statement.

I meant it as a question.

I hope that will not be the case. However, as the point has been raised, it is something that can be discussed when we come to discuss the amendment.

In the context of constitutional reform why was this item singled out for attention at present? Was it as a result of pressure from a particular group?

It arises from the fact that the leaders of the parties and the parties agreed that this matter should be undertaken and the amendment introduced.

The Taoiseach said in his reply that he believed at one stage that several amendments might be taken together. Would he consider deferring this amendment until an all party committee has reported on recommended constitutional changes? We are talking about a very costly——

The Deputy will have an opportunity of making a speech on Second Stage.

Given the cost of the referendum and the fact that the Taoiseach said at one stage that he would have preferred to have a number of amendments taken in the one referendum, would he not consider deferring the referendum until a number of amendments have been discussed in the House and are ready for referendum?

A decision was taken to proceed with the referendum by the previous Government and a Bill will be going through this House shortly.

As the Taoiseach rightly said, a decision was taken to proceed but it was taken on the basis of a collective responsibility decision by the Government at that time.

Has the Deputy a question?

Under the relevant Article of the Constitution has the Taoiseach got the same collective responsibility and support for this amendment which he proposes and which we initiated?

That appears to be another question. It does not arise out of the question on the Order Paper.