andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether the people will be consulted by means of a referendum before any definite step is taken towards changing this country's present militarily neutral position in Europe.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Referendum on Change in Neutrality Policy.
30.
Ireland is a parliamentary democracy, and it is not proposed to alter established parliamentary procedures for deciding questions of policy.
Is it not a fact that decisions may now have to be taken by the Government in relation to this matter which were not considered at the time of the general election? In those circumstances, would the Taoiseach not use the referendum to get the point of view of the people?
On my own behalf, I may say that in the course of the general election, I made no speech in which I did not deal fully with our application for membership of the European Economic Community and all the implications of that application, including the political implications.
Will the Taoiseach say if any decision with regard to NATO will have to be made by Dáil Eireann?
Certainly. However, I do not want any implication to be taken from my reply that I anticipate that such a decision will be required.