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Taoiseach Enda Kenny today addressed the launch of the Constitutional Convention. In his speech the Taoiseach said:

The convening of the Constitutional Convention is a significant, historic event in the political and democratic life of this country.

The Convention is a new and stimulating means of examining Constitutional reform.

One which puts the people in their proper place at the very heart of the process, because it is to them that the Constitution of our country belongs.

Central to our identity as a nation.

Central to how we govern.

Central to how we protect the rights, the freedoms of our citizens.

The Taoiseach spoke about change since the Constitution was written:

Overall, the Constitution has stood the test of time in setting out the basic architecture of our State and indicating some of the values and principles by which we the people of Ireland wish to live.

However, the country has changed a great deal since the 1930s.

Europe has not only reverted to peace but has itself established laws and institutions to ensure that the events of the 1930s and 1940s are never repeated.

As a society, our values and mores have also changed – most would agree for the better.

The Constitution has changed with us too.

Seeing over 20 amendments since 1937.

The Taoiseach welcomed the citizens taking part in the Convention:

The Constitution belongs to the people.

It has a real and direct impact on all our lives, so it is very appropriate that citizens themselves should play a part in the process of considering constitutional reform.

So this Constitutional Convention is principally a people’s convention.

It will provide a means for citizens who ordinarily might not be familiar with how policy or laws are made to work alongside elected representatives and to have a direct input into the process of considering constitutional reform.

I warmly and personally welcome each one of you and I thank you for your participation.

You will be joined in this work by representatives from the Northern Ireland Assembly.

I heartily welcome and thank you also.

The Taoiseach spoke of the subjects to be considered:

To facilitate as wide an engagement as possible, I understand that much of your work will be done via a new website.

And that it is also planned to put on this website your working papers and the various submissions you receive.

Your meetings will be webcast live, which in itself is a new and valuable development.

Over the next year, you will consider a wide range of questions.

It is a significant programme of work.

You will look at critical political questions, such as the reform of our Dáil electoral system, as well as important social issues, such as the role of women in society and whether there should be provision in our Constitution for same-sex marriage.

Once you have completed this body of work, your terms of reference allow you to consider other matters as you deem appropriate.

It is important that when you have completed your work, it is responded to in a timely and considered manner.

The Taoiseach concluded:

The last few years have been difficult ones for Ireland but from our challenges I am determined we will make our opportunities.

 The putting in place of this new, exciting process for considering constitutional reform – one which directly involves our citizens working side by side with their elected representatives in developing reform proposals – represents a significant opportunity...

On behalf of the Government, therefore, I thank you all once again for agreeing to become involved with the Convention and I wish you well as you undertake this important mission on behalf of the people of Ireland.