Vol. 374 No. 1
asked the Taoiseach whether the Attorney General's office have completed a report as to the effect of the Crotty judgment on our international treaty obligations, including those that arise under our membership of the United Nations and as to the implications of the judgment for the conduct of foreign affairs; the contents of any such report and the action, if any, the Government intend to take in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
2.
asked the Taoiseach the proposals, if any, he has to initiate discussions with the leaders of Opposition parties in this House in relation to the constitutional issues arising from the Supreme Court judgment of the Single European Act apart from issues already dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
6.
asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the many suggestions from political, legal and academic sources, that our Constitution is in need of reform, he will consider establishing a suitable forum to consider the reform, if any, which is needed in the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 6 together.
I have no proposals at present for the establishment of a forum to consider constitutional reform.
In relation to the Supreme Court judgment on the Single European Act, I would refer the Deputies to my reply in the House on 27 May last when I indicated that the complex issues involved were being examined by the Departments concerned, with the Attorney General. This examination is nearing completion.
Can the Taoiseach indicate when it is anticipated that the examination will be completed as it is some nine months now since the Crotty judgment was delivered? When that examination has been completed, will a report be made publicly available and published as to the Attorney General's conclusions and recommendations?
I hope it will not be much further delayed. I admit it has taken a fairly long time, but when I receive the report I propose to discuss the matter with the leaders of the different parties as I promised at the time.
In the present situation does the Taoiseach accept that there are certain impediments on the Government in relation to the conduct of foreign affairs and that the Government will not be in a position to negotiate foreign treaties as things stand at present?
No, I do not accept that.
Is the Anglo-Irish Agreement being considered in the context of the Attorney General's examination?
Yes, all issues of that kind are encompassed by the examination.
