Constitutional reform pending Forum response
De Rossa asks whether the Taoiseach will pursue constitutional change, including changes to Articles 2, 3, 41 and 42. The Taoiseach says he will not raise the issue while awaiting the British Government’s response to the New Ireland Forum report.
asked the Taoiseach if he will proceed with the Constitutional Crusade he promised when he was previously Taoiseach now that the New Ireland Forum has produced its report and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
It would I think be wrong to raise constitutional issues at the present moment which could give rise to controversy and could make it more difficult to obtain an agreed approach to whatever considered reaction the British Government may make to the report of the New Ireland Forum.
Comment on this
When I put this question to the Taoiseach in November last he indicated that he would not be willing to answer it until the Forum had concluded its business and reported. It has now reported and the Taoiseach says he does not want to say anything about it——
Comment on this
——until such time as the British Government have responded. The Taoiseach is on record as saying that there is a need for constitutional change in this State, irrespective of the outcome of any negotiated settlement or otherwise in Northern Ireland. He said specifically that the tragedy in Northern Ireland should not be used as a political calculation in relation to our Constitution. Would he indicate if he feels that constitutional change is required to Articles 2, 3, 41 and 42 now, irrespective of whether there is agreement with Britain or with the Unionists in the North?
Comment on this
My views on the need for certain constitutional changes are well known, but I have no intention of pursuing them at this time in a manner that could in any way make it difficult for the Forum initiative to yield fruitful results. That process of reform and the establishment of a joint report by the four nationalist parties for transmission to the British Government, and seeking a response to that report by the British Government, is still in being and we are awaiting a considered response from the British Government. In my view it would be inappropriate and very wrong of me to do anything that might prejudice the favourable outcome of that whole process by pursuing a matter in which I have a very strong personal interest and concern.