asked the Taoiseach if he will state on what date, in what circumstances, and by what authority Ireland became associated with the group of nations known as the British Commonwealth of Nations and also the nature, extent and obligations, if any, of the association and, if the association may be terminated by unilateral action by Ireland, the means by which the termination may be achieved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ireland's Constitutional Status.
asked the Taoiseach whether Ireland is now an independent republic; and, if not, whether he will indicate what Constitutional, statutory or other steps are necessary to declare and establish Ireland as an independent republic.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to answer question Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The time when, and the circumstances in which, Ireland became associated with the British Commonwealth of Nations, together with the authority whereby such association was entered into, and the nature, extent and obligations of such association at any given date in the past are matters of history. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by my attempting to deal with these matters now. In so far as the Deputy's questions refer to Ireland's present Constitutional position, I would refer him to the reply I gave him in this House on the 28th of last month.
Ireland's association with the Commonwealth of Nations depends on the factual position. This factual relationship, upon which our association is based, depends on the reciprocal exchange of concrete benefits in such matters as trade and citizenship-rights, the principle of consultation and cooperation in matters of common concern and on the many ties of blood and friendship that exist between us and these other great nations whose populations include so many of our own people. Our association with the nations of the Commonwealth is a free association, which, by virtue of its very freedom, could be determined by unilateral action.
The question whether Ireland is a Republic is purely one of nomenclature which I am not prepared to discuss. Ireland is, by its Constitution, a sovereign, independent, democratic State, in which all powers of Government derive, under God, from the people.
Congratulations.
Arising out of the Taoiseach's reply may I ask the Taoiseach if, for the purposes of this Parliament and for the purposes of our people, we can have it clearly stated by him whether we are a Republic or not, bearing in mind that his predecessor has stated definitely that we are a Republic? I want to know now where do we stand.
We stand in this matter where Article 5 of the Constitution says we stand—that is to say, as a sovereign, independent, democratic State. To what the Constitution describes us as I have nothing to add.
May I put it this way: the Imperial Conference of 1926 stated that the British Empire was then an association of free countries— free, sovereign and independent? Has our position changed constitutionally since that?
Slightly, I think.