Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together.

The Government does not plan to hold any constitutional referendum at present. I would like it put on the record again that neither I nor my Department is responsible for the implementation of all the recommendations of the Joint Committee on the Constitution.

The fine work of the current committee and its predecessors has produced 11 reports, which form a very useful repository of informed work on various aspects of the Constitution. Many recommendations have been acted upon and many others continue to be under active consideration by the relevant Minister or Department. However, the committee does not report to me — the reports are published and the recommendations are made for all.

As issues arise, they will be dealt with appropriately and the valuable information contained in these reports will be availed of. If there is any particular recommendation of interest to Deputies, they should get in touch with, or table a parliamentary question to, the relevant Minister.

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