asked the Taoiseach whether he would indicate the sections of the Constitution which he considered would be the subject of discussions by the various Churches in the light of his recent Cork speech; and whether he intended to approach the various Church authorities in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Constitutional Discussions.
1.
In a speech which I made in Cork city on Saturday, the 11th December, I mentioned the suggestion I made a short time before that the Churches might come together to examine the Constitution. I added that there are areas affecting the framing of a Constitution where the Churches have a special interest and that these areas needed no definition by me. I also said that it would be a significant step forward if some effort were made by the Churches to harmonise their views on the widest possible spectrum of matters in which they have that special interest.
Would the Taoiseach enlighten me as to whether he was speaking about the present Constitution? Was the Taoiseach referring to the present Constitution?
Yes.
Would the Taoiseach indicate which sections of the present Constitution, in his opinion, the Churches will be interested in?
I indicated this in the speech. The sections in which they would be interested need no definition from me.
When the Taoiseach refers to the civil authority in the North and their failure, would he not agree that successive Governments here have made little or no serious attempt to create the kind of society which, from the social point of view——
That is a separate question.
——and from the sectarian point of view would be acceptable to the Northern Protestants.
That is a separate question.
This is a joint failure and the Taoiseach and his party have a lot to answer for.
We have built up our social structure solidly and continue to do so to make it attractive to all people.
Is it not a fact that the Taoiseach continues to ask for political initiatives from the North and from Westminster and has refused on all occasions to take any political initiative himself to remove the barriers and resolve the difference between North and South?
Is the Deputy suggesting that political initiatives by me would be reciprocated by the northern majority towards achieving a united Ireland?
If the Taoiseach were prepared to take political initiatives, at least it would show that he is bona fide in his ambition to try to achieve a united Ireland. Why should all the initiatives come from Stormont?
I hope nobody will question my bona fides.
In regard to the Taoiseach's reference to the possible deployment of United Nations troops, a proposition which has been repeatedly rejected and which most likely would not receive much support at United Nations level, apart from the tremendous difficulties involved in undertaking such an operation, does the Taoiseach consider that it is useful and realistic to continue repeating this proposition at this time?
I do not know if the Deputy disagrees with the proposition or not, but if I think it is a good proposition which will meet the case to some extent at least, I am entitled to make it and repeat it.
Is the Taoiseach not aware that this proposition which he has made on a number of occasions has been rejected by the British Government and by the Stormont regime and that, therefore, it is unconducive towards realistic proposals emerging to continue harping on such a proposition?
Would the Deputy apply that to his own contribution here?
I am suggesting to the Taoiseach that he should not be creating false hopes and false impressions.
As long as I think the proposition is a good one I am entitled to make it.
The Taoiseach's credibility suffers when he harps on it.