asked the Taoiseach when the proposed amendment to the Constitution will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Constitution.
1.
asked the Taoiseach when it is proposed to introduce legislation to amend the Constitution as stated by him in reply to parliamentary questions on 23 March 1982; and if it is still his intention to hold a referendum this year.
I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The Government intend to bring forward during the present Dáil session a Bill to amend the Constitution so as to protect the right to life of the unborn child, and the referendum will be held as soon as practicable after the passage of the Bill.
What happened in the Taoiseach's Department or in the Attorney General's Office that required the Taoiseach to change his commitment from that of 23 March when he gave a commitment that it was his intention to hold the referendum this year? Do I gather from that that this Dáil will end in 1982 or do I gather that this referendum might take place in 1983?
There is no change in the situation and the undertaking I gave at that time still stands. The legislation will be introduced as soon as practicable and the referendum will take place as soon as practicable after that. If it is possible for it to take place in 1982 it will take place but if the parliamentary procedure prevents that it will take place as soon as possible in 1983.
I do not want to make a meal out of this.
The Deputy may be my guest.
The Taoiseach might like to run it with Clare by-election. I do not want to be frivolous in relation to this matter but the more important question which has to be asked is has the formula for the amendment been presented to the Cabinet and have the Cabinet agreed to the formula of the proposed amendment?
It is not the practice to disclose details of Cabinet procedure in that way but I can assure the Deputy that the legislation is being drafted at present.