Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I understand the position is there may or may not be a referendum on the European constitution in the lifetime of the current Government but that is the only contemplated referendum on an amendment to the Constitution. I ask that question in the context of nine different reports having been produced since 1997 on the matter of necessary or perceived necessary amendments to the Constitution. I take it from the Taoiseach's response there is no intention of bringing an amendment or a number of amendments forward between now and the putative lifetime of the Government. In regard to remarks the Taoiseach has made about a right of audience being given in this House or in the Oireachtas to elected representatives in Northern Ireland, will he clarify whether in the negotiations with Sinn Féin, in particular, there were any side deals on this issue and whether it is his intention to go outside the tentative proposals recommended in a narrow context by the all-party committee?

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