Dick Spring
Question:1 Mr. Spring asked the Taoiseach if he has any proposals to establish a commission on the Constitution, as suggested by a member of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commission on Constitution.
Alan M. Dukes
Question:2 Mr. Dukes asked the Taoiseach if he has any plans to amend the Constitution.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The Government have no proposals at present to amend or establish a commission on the Constitution.
May I ask the Taoiseach if the question of the desirability of making some amendments to the Constitution was raised at Cabinet recently by the Minister for Industry and Commerce, as has been widely reported?
The Minister for Industry and Commerce has issued a statement to the newspapers indicating that the first report was not correct.
I appreciate that information because until now I was unaware of the denial of the original statement. May I take it from what the Taoiseach is saying that there has been no discussion at Cabinet on the desirability of holding a referendum on the divorce question or setting up a commission on the Constitution?
I am in a bit of difficulty.The Deputy will understand that it is not customary to say what is or is not discussed at Cabinet.
Give us a hint.
I repeat that the Minister for Industry and Commerce has said that the report that he raised something at Cabinet was not correct.
(Limerick East): May I take it the Taoiseach is aware of the Minister, Deputy O'Malley's statement on this matter? Has the Taoiseach had any formal discussions with the Minister Deputy O'Malley, outside of Government, to establish a commission on the Constitution, or can he say if the Minister, Deputy O'Malley, has requested a meeting with him to discuss this matter?
The answer is in the negative.
Question No. 3, please.
Deputy O'Malley was looking for personal publicity.
The Minister, Deputy O'Malley is a party leader and is perfectly entitled to give his views as party leader.
If he was serious he should have discussed it with the Taoiseach.
When Deputy Shatter becomes leader of Fine Gael he will be equally free to speak out.