Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald T.D, has today introduced legislation in the Dáil that would compel the Taoiseach to get the planning and preparation for constitutional change and Irish unity underway.
Ms. McDonald said, “This important Bill that I have introduced in the Dáil will legislate for the planning and preparation for constitutional change and Irish reunification.
“It will now allow all TDs, political parties, independents and the government to formally come into the debate.
“It crucially provides for the Taoiseach to publish a government Green Paper as a means of consultation with the people of the entire island. This will mean the Government setting out its ideas, vision and proposals looking at health, education, public services, economy, and ultimately governance of a new unified State within the European Union.
“The Bill also provides for the establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly bringing together people and sectors from across the island, including unionists and protestants, to consider all of these crucial issues, which will inform and shape the debate.
“As we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in 2028 it is important to recognise the scale of the transformation that has occurred across Ireland over the past three decades. today, peace is secure, and the next chapter of this island’s political journey centres on constitutional change.
“The lesson of Brexit is clear, refusing to prepare for major constitutional change does not prevent instability, it guarantees it. The central question now is whether the government are prepared to confront the reality responsibly.
“The Bill provides the Dáil and the Irish Government with the unprecedented opportunity to commence preparation and planning for constitutional change and the reunification of Ireland which must be grasped.
“I now look forward to the Bill being scheduled for full second stage debate in the coming weeks.”
