Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

In amending the Constitution we should follow the principle of "hasten slowly". Our Constitution is the basic law of the State, protecting our rights and opposing tyranny. It is not the preserve of the Government or even of the Opposition; it belongs to the people. Therefore it must be amended with due deliberation. If one were amending the rules of the local flower club or cattle show, one would follow certain procedures, give due notice and have proper debate. The rules and procedures are laid down for amending the Constitution after due deliberation in the sixth progress report of the all-party committee. Underlying everything in that sixth progress report of the committee, chaired by Deputy Brian Lenihan, and of which I was vice-chairman, is the need for due deliberation, a careful process, informing and involving the public, ensuring that at all times there is dispassionate, objective debate, bringing the people along and listening to what they say. Unfortunately this issue is being dealt with in quite the opposite way and I am not sure why.

I have heard no adequate explanation for the rush to headlong judgment to bring this before the people on 11 June. This issue has been with us since 1998, when the Minister was concerned about the amendment to Article 2. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform foresaw it at the time. I would be very interested to see the Department's papers of advice at the time.

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