asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that a report appeared in an English periodical on 15 April, 1955, purporting to give the replies of the Irish Government to a questionnaire on the reform of the calendar by U.N.O., and, if so, whether the report is correct; whether in the consideration of this matter advice was sought from experts, and, if so, the names of such experts; whether the opinion of the Vatican astronomer was solicited; and if he will consider the advisability of setting up a commission of inquiry to examine the question of calendar reform and all aspects thereof in so far as they may affect this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Calendar Reform.
asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government has made any decision in regard to the proposal of U.N.O. to introduce a new calendar.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose replying to Questions Nos. 27 and 28 together.
I am aware of the report referred to which does not, however, correctly summarise the reply of the Irish Government to the United Nations inquiry. In its reply the Government expressed the view that further examination of the proposals for a reform of the calendar by international agreement ought to depend upon the likelihood of gaining for any such reform such a measure of international agreement, including the agreement of the religious authorities concerned, and of the Catholic Church in particular, as would secure international acceptance and avoid the danger of a reform being partially accepted.
In considering the inquiry from the United Nations such expert advice from within the Government service as appeared necessary at this stage was obtained. The views of the Director of the Vatican Observatory regarding technical and religious aspects of the problem have already been published and were available as were also the views expressed by the representatives of the Protestant Churches and the Jewish Faith.
From information available, it would not appear that the present proposal of the United Nations for calendar reform will receive a substantial measure of international support, and the likelihood of calendar reform is remote. Consequently I do not propose to set up a special commission of inquiry to examine the question.