Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett should bear in mind what I have stated when he next discusses this matter with his serial marchers.

Citizens will outnumber politicians at the convention by a majority of two to one. Some 66 members of the public have already been selected - by a proper, efficient method - to discuss the range of issues involved. I accept that there will be other matters which they will wish to discuss. The Deputy is also wrong when he states social class has not been taken into account. If he had been listening to the comments I directed to Deputy Micheál Martin, he would be aware that I indicated that gender, age, social class and region had been taken into consideration in respect of the 66 citizens chosen to represent society at the constitutional convention. I do not at all accept the argument to the effect that we are engaging in choreography. What we are discussing is a serious issue which relates to Bunreacht na hÉireann. Perhaps the Deputy does not think it is a serious document. However, the issues outlined for the constitutional convention to discuss and make recommendations on relate to the living, changing Republic, to our existing society and what which will evolve as time passes. The chairman and members of the convention will have the opportunity to decide which other issues they would like to consider and make recommendations on to the Government. On the next occasion on which the Deputy is talking to his people about constitutional change, he should remember that the Constitution guarantees the right to engage in legitimate protest. It also guarantees people the right to go about their business.

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