It is proposed to take Nos. 3, 15, 16 and 1. Questions at 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
May I ask the Taoiseach when it is proposed to take No. 2 on the Order Paper?
If the Deputy will ask me next week perhaps I shall then be able to give him an intimation.
Has the Taoiseach in mind introducing an all-embracing Bill to provide for amendment to the Constitution?
I have intimated already that there are many matters affecting the Constitution at present under consideration. The Bill the Deputy has in mind is, I think, the one which provides for votes for persons at the age of 18 years.
You are going to give votes at 18 years?
Is that one of the matters to which the Deputy is referring?
Yes.
That is one of the matters that will be taken into consideration. An amendment to the Constitution will be necessary in the event of our entry into the EEC. It would be better to get as many amendments as possible considered at the same time with a view to the ultimate referendum that will be put to the people. In my view this is a better course than taking things piecemeal.
I appreciate that but has the Taoiseach any idea when this all-embracing Bill to provide for changes in the Constitution will be introduced?
Not at the moment.
Not until after the EEC negotiations have been completed?
We expect to have a good idea during the course of negotiations.
In the event of the negotiations being protracted, I am sure the Taoiseach will give consideration to our Bill which provides for votes at 18 years, in case there may be an electoral contest such as local government elections. Then I presume this matter could be attended to, in isolation?
In that event, yes.
When the Taoiseach says the matter is being considered, is it being considered by the Government or is a committee considering the matter?
The broader aspects of constitutional amendments are being considered by the Government. The House is aware that a committee under the chairmanship of the Attorney General are considering amendments that might be required in the context of our membership of EEC.