HC Deb 25 May 1995 vol 260 cc750-1W
28. Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met the Taoiseach to discuss articles of the Irish constitution. [24648]

Mr. Ancram

My right hon. and learned Friend last met the Taoiseach at a memorial ceremony at Islandbridge on 28 April. The purpose of the ceremony was to pay tribute to those Irish people who fought and died in the British forces in the last war.

The Irish constitution and any possible changes to it are a matter for the Irish Government, Parliament and people. "A New Framework for Agreement" sets out the Irish Government's commitment to remove any jurisdictional or territorial claim of legal right over the territory of Northern Ireland contrary to the will of its people.

Mr. Peter Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will seek to persuade the Government of Ireland to declare that they have no selfish, political economic or strategic interest in Northern Ireland. [25954]

Mr. Ancram

The Irish Government have made it clear that, as part of a wider agreement, they will introduce and support changes in the Irish constitution. The Taoiseach has said that those changes would remove any jurisdictional or territorial claim of legal right over the territory of Northern Ireland contrary to the will of its people.

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