Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not speak for the Supreme Court, which is the ultimate body in determining what is and is not constitutional. In this case the Government accepted the decision of the Supreme Court and acted swiftly to see that it became a reality. A short time before that, the High Court had made its view very clear that the Government had acted appropriately and followed proper procedure.

There is a requirement to deal with necessary changes to the Constitution, whether these arise from changes in competence in Europe, with regard to other issues such as a requirement for a simple referendum on universal patents, or with whatever the Government may decide following recommendations from the constitutional convention. We have already decided to have a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad. In all such cases a process must take place and the Government must reflect on how to get this process working effectively so citizens are properly and fully informed and can make their decision in the knowledge they are the ultimate arbiters and owners of Bunreacht na hÉireann, on which they alone will make decisions. It is important that the Government, which produces Bills that propose changes to the Constitution, should have a process by which all these matters can be explained properly and comprehensively to the citizens.

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