asked the Taoiseach on how many occasions since 14 December 1982 he has visited the President to keep him generally informed on matters of domestic and international policy, in accordance with the provisions of Article 28.5.2 of Bunreacht na hÉireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Visits to President.
1.
As my predecessor indicated in reply to a similar question, I do not think it appropriate to give precise details of such visits and contacts.
When the Presidency has been under considerable scrutiny and discussion in recent times, that is an extraordinary answer for the Taoiseach to give in relation to the constitutional provision which I am sure the Taoiseach will agree——
Has the Deputy a question?
Will the Taoiseach agree that the importance which the public attach to the Presidency is in direct ratio to the importance which the Government attach to it? Would he not agree that this provision of the Constitution is one way in which the Government could show the importance which they attach to the Presidency, whether the Taoiseach has adhered to the principles enshrined in the Constitution by consulting with the President? The Taoiseach has a responsibility to let the House know if he has adhered to that constitutional provision and in what way he has done so.
I have adhered to the constitutional provision. My predecessors, when asked this question, have given a similar answer, that they have adhered to it, but they have always refrained from giving details of such visits which are not matters appropriate for discussion in this House.
Has the Taoiseach understood the question? Does he agree that I have not asked what he discussed with the President? I have merely asked on how many occasions since 14 December last he has visited the President in accordance with the constitutional provision. There is no disclosure of information in that other than to say on how many occasions the Taoiseach visited the President in accordance with that provision.
It has been a uniform practice not to answer questions of that kind relating to the number of such visits, but Taoisigh have given, as I have given, an assurance that they have carried out their duties in respect of the President under this Article of the Constitution.
That is not an answer to the question.