Jim O'Keeffe
Question:1 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Taoiseach the number of times he has briefed President Robinson on matters of domestic and international policy as required by the Constitution.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Meetings with President.
I would like to assure the House that I fully discharge the duty placed on me by Article 28.5.2º of the Constitution to keep the President generally informed on matters of domestic and international policy. I would not, however, regard it as appropriate or in keeping with the constitutional position to depart from precedent by giving details of such meetings.
Meetings take place frequently both by specific appointment and on occasions when we meet in the performance of our respective duties. Additionally, our offices keep in touch on a daily basis on a wide variety of matters.
I should like to make it clear that I am not seeking the details of the meetings in accordance with convention in the House. I want to know the number of times the Taoiseach has gone to Áras an Uachtaráin to discharge his duty as required by Article 28.5 of the Constitution.
It is not normal to give any specifics in regard to those meetings. The Deputy and Members can be assured that I attend meetings at Áras an Uachtaráin at regular intervals.
Let me make it clear that I do not accept the Taoiseach is entitled to evade the question in this manner. I am not looking for the details of the meetings, however I want to know the number of times the Taoiseach has attended at Áras an Uachtaráin to discharge his constitutional duty as required by Article 28.5. I do not accept also that messages passed between the respective Offices of the Taoiseach and the President are sufficient to allow the Taoiseach to claim he has discharged his constitutional duty.
We are having repetition.
I do not regard the comments that pass between the President and I when we meet at social functions as being part of my constitutional duty to keep the President well informed. I have frequent meetings with the President at Áras an Uachtaráin and we meet on other occasions. The Deputy can be assured that I discharge fully my constitutional duties in this regard and the President is kept fully informed and up-to-date on both domestic and international matters.
Does the Taoiseach accept that his answer is entirely evasive and in the circumstances does not give us confidence that he is discharging his constitutional duty?
Does he make telephone calls?
The President and the Taoiseach are quite happy that the Taoiseach is carrying out his constitutional duties in this regard. Whether Deputy O'Keeffe is pleased with that or not is a matter for him. I discharge my duties fully.