asked the Taoiseach if he will state when and under what circumstances Ireland ceased to be a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ireland and British Commonwealth.
Ireland's constitutional position is governed by the provisions of the Constitution.
In particular, Article 5 avers that Ireland is a sovereign, independent, democratic State, while Article 29 recognises that the State is, or may be, associated with the members of any group or league of nations for the purpose of international co-operation in matters of common concern.
The constitutional position is that Ireland is a sovereign, independent, democratic State associated with the members of the British Commonwealth. The process by which Ireland ceased formally to be a member of that Commonwealth has been one of gradual development.
Am I to take it, then, that the Taoiseach states that this country has ceased to be a member of the British Commonwealth?
It has ceased to be formally a member, but is associated with the other members in accordance with Articles 5 and 29, to which I have referred.
The Taoiseach says we are a sovereign, independent, democratic State——
No, Article 5 says that.
I take it the same applies to the other members of the British Commonwealth of Nations?
That is a separate matter.
Do not ask me what applies to the other members; they are able to look after themselves.
It is a much wider question.