Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:1 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the number of times he has had official meetings with the President since her inauguration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21434/97]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Taoiseach's Official Meetings with President.
I have complied with the terms of Article 28.5.2 of the Constitution in keeping the President generally informed on matters of domestic and international policy.
Is the Taoiseach in a position to indicate the number of times he has complied with that constitutional requirement?
I understand there is a long-established precedent that Taoisigh comply with that constitutional requirement. That being said, I have been talking to the President on the telephone both formally and informally a number of times.
Given the greater transparency and openness that characterises this Administration, does the Taoiseach agree there is now an expectation that the occasions on which he would meet the President formally, as distinct from informal conversations with her at official functions or by telephone, is a matter of legitimate, political, if not constitutional, concern? Notwithstanding any past conventions, does he also agree that my question is a reasonable one and I am not unreasonable to expect an answer?
I suppose it is not unreasonable since it is not that difficult to reply. Apparently over the years official formal meetings have not taken place. The Constitution does not refer to visits, formal or otherwise but at Article 28.5.2 simply says:
The Taoiseach shall keep the President generally informed on matters of domestic and international policy.
However, official meetings may well have taken place over the years when former Taoisigh and Presidents met in the course of their respective duties or at other times. In recent years that practice has been substituted by greater telephone communication on day to day issues. I intend to continue the practice of formal monthly or bi-monthly meetings.
While not wanting to embroil the office of the Presidency in any form of controversy, having regard to the fact that in the past telephone conversations from Government to Áras an Úachtaráin have been less than solicitous, also bearing in mind that this President has indicated clearly that she intends, as is her right, to pursue a policy of building bridges — bridges which directly affect Government policy in respect of Northern Ireland — can the Taoiseach indicate whether there is any formal means by which regular formal meetings can take place between the Taoiseach and President so that process of bridge-building at least can be harmonised?
It is not a question of the overall philosophy of any particular President. The Constitution states that the Taoiseach should keep the President informed on domestic and international policy, and I will continue to do that. I do not think it is necessary for me to report to the House every time I have a telephone conversation with the President or have a formal or informal meeting with her. In so far as formal meetings are concerned, I intend to follow the practice that the Taoiseach meets the President on a formal basis a number of times per year.