asked the Taoiseach if he will consider amending Article 8 in a general review of the Constitution.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Constitution.
1.
asked the Taoiseach what consideration the Government have given, in the context of the partial or complete integration of the Six Counties with the rest of Ireland, to the application of the present Irish language policy to the Six Counties.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
I do not intend to promote the amendment of Article 8 of the Constitution. I consider its provisions appropriate to our present position and adequate to meet future developments.
The policy in respect of the Irish language to be followed in the Six Counties in the event of reunification would be a matter for determination by the appropriate authorities in the new constitutional situation which would have been created.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the contradictory element in paragraph 3 of Article 8 through which it is possible for the Irish language to be replaced by another language?
I do not think there is anything contradictory or that there is any suggestion that the Irish language would be replaced by another language. To put the matter on record, I shall quote paragraph 3 of Article 8:
Provision may, however, be made by law for the exclusive use of either of the said languages for any one or more official purposes, either throughout the State or in any part thereof.
Is the Taoiseach aware that because of the dropping of the republican attitude by the Government the people of the country are very wary as regard paragraph 3 of this Article —that there is a loophole here whereby English could replace the Irish language? In these circumstances should the Taoiseach not prepare for the deletion of paragraph 3?
An gceapann an Teachta go bhfuil orainn an teanga a fhágaint ar leataobh? There is no suggestion that there is any change in the policy of this party towards our republican attitude. If I have suggested interim solutions as stepping stones to the realisation of our ideal, it does not mean that any of our traditional basic policy will be abandoned.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
Although I do not support the suggested changing of Article 8, might I ask the Taoiseach when it is proposed to have a general review of the Constitution?
I answered that at some length here last week. I said that at the moment certain amendments may be necessary in the immediate context of our imminent membership of the EEC. As far as the broader aspects of the Constitution are concerned, certainly I would promote amendments as long as any such amendments would seem to facilitate the reunification of our country. However, at this moment I do not think it is appropriate to proceed.
Did the Taoiseach think it appropriate five or six months ago when he made a specific suggestion that a particular Article would be amended? Do we take it that it is not intended to change the Constitution in the immediate future? Does the Taoiseach not think it desirable to have a change, particularly because of the happenings in the Six Counties during recent months?
That is a separate question.
I dealt with that at great length last week in reply to questions by the Deputy's colleagues. I cannot remember if he was present.
The pressure for change in our Constitution now comes from our possible accession to the EEC rather than from any desire to achieve unity?
On the contrary, I said last week that changes may be necessary. In fact, I am certain some changes will be necessary if we become members of the EEC and these changes will be effected when they seem necessary. In the event of reunification further changes will also be effected, as may be necessary and as appear timely and conducive to reunification.
There are no amendments contemplated at the moment?
No.
That is a separate question. The question related to the Irish language.