Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers - Reform of Constitution.
- Constitutional reform proposals 4 speeches
The Tánaiste said the Government has no current plans to amend the Constitution, prioritising economic recovery over broad constitutional reform. De Rossa urged setting up a body to consider reform in light of issues including planning, property rights and divorce.
Proinsias De Rossa, Brian Lenihan Snr.
- Single European Act judgment review 6 speeches
Birmingham asked whether the promised review of the Supreme Court judgment’s implications for the State’s foreign-policy capacity was complete and whether action would follow. The Tánaiste said the issue may need rectification, would check the review’s status, and expected it would have to be addressed.
George. M. Birmingham, Seán Treacy, Brian Lenihan Snr., Michael D. Higgins
asked the Taoiseach if there are any plans for the reform of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
In the light of that very clear statement, in view of the age of the Constitution and the number of questions that have arisen, specifically with regard to the planning laws, to property rights, to civil divorce and so on, would the Tánaiste not consider it time that a body was set up by this House to consider refrom of the Constitution?
Comment on this
This Government have got their priorities right with regard to getting the country back on the economic rails and this is being done successfully, but that job will not be successfully concluded until we have further investment development and further employment creation. We have been concentrating on that aspect which is all important rather than on engaging in what I would call constitutional adventures which, in our humble opinion, took up far too much time in the last Government's occupancy. However, I do not want to start any rumpus over that. We do not have any proposals at the moment for reform of the Constitution.
Comment on this
I will call Deputy Birmingham but I should advise the House that the time has come to deal with questions nominated for priority. I will take a brief question from Deputy Birmingham.
Comment on this
The effect of the Supreme Court decision on the Single European Act case was to cast doubt on this State's capacity to conduct its foreign policy. The Tánaiste and the Taoiseach promised the House at the time that the implications of that judgment would be considered and that there would be a report to the House. Will the Tánaiste now say whether that review has been completed and whether action will be taken?
Comment on this
I am aware of the import of the Deputy's question and that is a matter that may have to be rectified in the future. It would be better to look at specifics at that time rather than engage in a broad reform that will only inject further controversy and conflict into our society. I will certainly find out the latest state of play on this issue because it is a matter that will have to be redressed.
