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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 1946

Vol. 99 No. 17

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Envoys—Presentation of Credentials.

asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state the reasons why the foreign envoys accredited to Éire do not present their credentials to the President, the head of the State.

Article 29 of the Constitution dealing with our international relations, lays down that the executive power of the State in, or in connection with, its external relations shall be exercised by, or on the authority of, the Government. As head of the Government, the Taoiseach receives the credentials. No function in this regard is given to the President either by the Constitution or by law.

Is it that the British Empire recognises the Taoiseach as Minister for External Affairs when the credentials of foreign envoys are being presented and that the Empire does not recognise the authority of the President as head of the State?

The British Empire has nothing whatever to do with the question. I have told the Deputy what the constitutional position is. I have told him that the Taoiseach, as head of the Government, receives the credentials.

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