5 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of occasions in the past 12 months in which he visited the President to keep her informed on matters of domestic and international policy in accordance with Article 28.5 (ii) of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In keeping with the practice which has been well established in relation to similar questions over the past decade, I do not propose to give the precise details requested by the Deputy — nor do I think it would accord with the dignity of the Office of the President to do so.
However, I can assure him that I fully discharge the duty placed on me by Article 28 of the Constitution.
Would the Taoiseach consider, in the context of his regular consultations with the President, conveying an invitation on behalf of all parties in this House to exercise her constitutional powers to address this House in a joint sitting?
The Ceann Comhairle ruled that out.
The Deputy knows that the President is above and beyond politics.
This is not a political question.
The Taoiseach has replied to it. I cannot allow any further debate on the matter.
Would the Taoiseach advise the House how it could go about issuing such an invitation if it wished to do so?
Telephone the Aras.
I have allowed the question reluctantly but I am adamant that matters appertaining to the incumbent of the Presidency are outside and beyond politics and must not be brought into this Chamber.
Could I ask the Taoiseach's advice as to how the House could go about issuing such an invitation if it wished to do so, without discussing the merits of the question?
It is not a matter for the House.
I understand this matter may be brought before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
