Vol. 504 No. 2
25 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, he has to introduce a package of constitutional reform measures in view of the recommendations to date of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution; and when it will be introduced. [11498/99]
The All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution has done considerable work to date on proposals for reform of the Constitution. The committee's recommendations which are set out in its progress reports were considered by the Government at its meeting on 14 April 1999.
The Government agreed to proceed immediately with the recommendation relating to the constitutional recognition of local government and that a referendum would be held to coincide with the local and European elections in June. Deputies will be aware that the Minister for the Environment and Local Government published the 20th Amendment of the Constitution (No 2.) Bill last Friday.
I have asked Government Departments to report back to me on proposals for constitutional amendments in relation to their spheres of responsibility arising from the other recommendations of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution and from the Programme for Government. The committee's proposals will be given further consideration on receipt of observations from Government Departments.
