Vol. 403 No. 1
1 Mr. Spring asked the Taoiseach if he has any plans to introduce legislation to confer additional powers and functions on the President in accordance with Article 13.10 of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are no such plans at present.
Perhaps at this stage the Taoiseach has not had time to consider the possibility of giving the President additional powers. Will he give an undertaking to the House that he will give it some consideration, perhaps at a future date?
Yes, it is something which can be considered at any time but I do not have specific proposals from anybody. However, I will keep it in mind.
Will the Taoiseach accept, with an expanded role for the President, that Mrs. Mary Robinson would complement the work of the Taoiseach and the Government and would be invaluable in enhancing the status of Ireland internationally? That is why I am asking the Taoiseach to give the matter some consideration.
I think we can ensure that without necessarily having new legislation. No doubt the Deputy listened to me last Sunday when I clearly indicated that I was anxious to fully co-operate with the President in that area.
Is the Taoiseach aware that listening to him last Sunday was almost as informative regarding his true intentions as reading tea leaves in a tea cup? On a more serious note, will the Taoiseach agree that he indicated in the past he is prepared to consider the institution of a merit award or an award for distinguished service to the country? Will he agree that that might be something in which it might be appropriate to involve the President?
I am prepared to invite the party leaders to tea — or lunch — any day now to have a preliminary discussion without prejudice.
Will the Taoiseach agree that these are the Houses of the Oireachtas and that he might be better advised to account for his views to this House instead of to any private forum, however convivial or distinguished?
As a matter of fact I do not.
Well, I do.
There have been attempts in this regard before but they have always been dissipated in interparty disagreement. The way to proceed is at least to have a preliminary, informal exchange of views and I would be happy to arrange that at any time.
Very good.
