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Dáil Éireann - Volume 339 - 02 February, 1983 Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Amendments of Constitution. Mr. Gregory-Independent Mr. Gregory-Independent 734 1. Mr. Gregory-Independent asked the Taoiseach if he intends to include in the proposed referendum amendments to [734] the Constitution other than the pro-life amendment. The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: No. Mr. Gregory-Independent Mr. Gregory-Independent Mr. Gregory-Independent: Does this indicate a significant change of policy and direction on the part of the Taoiseach, given the oppositon of the Protestant churches to this sectarian amendment? This would seem to be completely contrary to the Taoiseach's much talked about constitutional crusade with its apparent aim at reconciliation. The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: The question relates to amendments to the Constitution other than the pro-life amendment. My reply was that it is not intended to have other amendments. My own view in the past has been that it would have been better to take amendments together but events developed in a different way and as a result this amendment is being taken at this stage. Mr. Gregory-Independent Mr. Gregory-Independent Mr. Gregory-Independent: Will the Taoiseach explain the urgency of this amendment given that he has talked for some time about amendments which he feels are desirable and urgent in view of the divisions in the country? Does he not accept that this amendment at this time will exacerbate those divisions and go contrary to his own often stated policy? An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy should not make a statement. Mr. Gregory-Independent Mr. Gregory-Independent Mr. Gregory-Independent: I meant it as a question. The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: I hope that will not be the case. However, as the point has been raised, it is something that can be discussed when we come to discuss the amendment. Mr. Taylor Mr. Taylor Mr. Taylor: In the context of constitutional reform why was this item singled out for attention at present? Was it as a result of pressure from a particular group? The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald 735 The Taoiseach: It arises from the fact [735] that the leaders of the parties and the parties agreed that this matter should be undertaken and the amendment introduced. Mr. Gregory-Independent Mr. Gregory-Independent Mr. Gregory-Independent: The Taoiseach said in his reply that he believed at one stage that several amendments might be taken together. Would he consider deferring this amendment until an all party committee has reported on recommended constitutional changes? We are talking about a very costly—— An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy will have an opportunity of making a speech on Second Stage. Mr. Gregory-Indepnedent Mr. Gregory-Indepnedent Mr. Gregory-Indepnedent: Given the cost of the referendum and the fact that the Taoiseach said at one stage that he would have preferred to have a number of amendments taken in the one referendum, would he not consider deferring the referendum until a number of amendments have been discussed in the House and are ready for referendum? The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald The Taoiseach: A decision was taken to proceed with the referendum by the previous Government and a Bill will be going through this House shortly. Mr. Lenihan Mr. Lenihan Mr. Lenihan: As the Taoiseach rightly said, a decision was taken to proceed but it was taken on the basis of a collective responsibility decision by the Government at that time. An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick 736 [736] An Ceann Comhairle: Has the Deputy a question? Mr. Lenihan Mr. Lenihan Mr. Lenihan: Under the relevant Article of the Constitution has the Taoiseach got the same collective responsibility and support for this amendment which he proposes and which we initiated? An Ceann Comhairle Thomas J. (Cavan) Fitzpatrick An Ceann Comhairle: That appears to be another question. It does not arise out of the question on the Order Paper. Dáil Éireann 339 Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers Amendments of Constitution. Questions 19830202
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