asked the Taoiseach if he is aware that considerable confusion exists by reason of the fact that the portion of Ireland under the jurisdiction of the Oireachtas is known by the same title as the entire national territory; and, if so, if he will introduce legislation amending the Constitution to give this portion of Ireland a distinctive title.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Name of State.
I do not agree that confusion exists by reason of the terms of Article 4 of the Constitution relating to the name of the State.
The provisions of this Article were adopted after careful consideration in Dáil Éireann and, in fact, are the result of an amendment of the original text of the draft Constitution. I am not prepared to introduce legislation with a view to amending the Constitution in this regard.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that it is quite obvious that to describe one portion of Ireland by the same name as the entire State does make for confusion? Would it not suggest itself to the Taoiseach that one way out of the difficulty would be to revert to the original name of the Twenty-Six Counties, the Irish Free State?
No. I do not agree at all.