asked the Taoiseach the proposals, if any, the Government has for the reform of the Constitution of the State.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Constitutional Reform.
2.
The Government do not propose to bring forward any amendment to the Constitution at present. As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to a question on 9 October 1984, my views on the need for certain constitutional changes are well known. I do not intend, however, to pursue them at this time in order not to prejudice, in any way, the outcome of the current Anglo-Irish discussions or the Oireachtas debates on the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Marriage Breakdown.
When the Taoiseach gave me his reply almost a year ago I asked him could he indicate when he thought it might be possible for the Government to bring forward amendments to the Constitution which he has clearly indicated he feels are necessary. I ask him again can he indicate when, if at all, the Government intend to introduce any amendments to the Constitution?
In my answer I have explained the position. I do not think I could add to that. Obviously the discussions to which I referred and to which I referred also in my reply to the previous question have not yet been concluded and in respect of one particular matter, which may or may not be in the Deputy's mind, we have a forthcoming debate in the House which should take precedence over any question on constitutional action.
In relation to one specific matter which is in my mind, that is the question of divorce, does the Taoiseach not consider that we have reached a ludicrous situation where backbenchers and presumably Ministers in the Government are promoting Bills for changes in the Constitution when the Government are not taking steps to pursue their declared policy? Could he not indicate at this stage when he feels it will be possible for the Government to move on this or on any other aspect of constitutional reform?
I have already made it perfectly clear that the question of any Government action on this matter is something which will arise for discussion after the Dáil debate. In a matter of this kind, where the House decided to establish a committee, which went to enormous trouble to issue a very good report, which had 700 written submissions and 24 oral submissions, it would be contemptuous of the Government to proceed in this House with legislation of a particular character which might or might not conform to the views of the majority of the committee until the House has a chance to debate the committee's report. When that has been done certainly the time will be ripe to consider what action, if any, should be taken.
Does the Taoiseach not consider that the hope he offered to many people North and South on this island when he announced his constitutional crusade, including myself — I had great hopes in relation to what he was talking about — now has been lost? Could he indicate that, following the debate on the report of the Committee on Marital Breakdown, he will then announce a programme on constitutional reform?
I have answered that question. With regard to the question of divorce, whether there should be Government action in the matter, this is something to be considered after the debate in the House.