Vol. 497 No. 6
11 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he has received the report from the All-Party Committee on the Constitution; if the Government will give effect to the report's recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25563/98]
12 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the report on the Presidency of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution. [25604/98]
13 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the proposals, if any, he has to consult with other party leaders on constitutional amendments that may arise from the report on the Presidency of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution. [25605/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 to 13, inclusive, together.
I welcome the third progress report on the President published by the All-Party Committee on the Constitution on 25 November 1998. The report recommends a number of changes to the Constitution which require serious consideration. These include issues such as the procedure for nominating a presidential candidate, extending the power of the President to confer titles of honour after consultation with the Council of State and reduction of the age of eligibility for election to the office of President to 18 years.
I understand that the all-party committee proposes to publish further progress reports early in 1999. I am prepared to consult with other party leaders when the Government has had an opportunity to consider the reports and I will be in touch with the leaders in due course.
