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Dáil Éireann - Volume 112 - 28 July, 1948 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ireland and British Commonwealth. Captain Cowan Captain Cowan Captain Cowan asked the Taoiseach if he will state when and under what circumstances Ireland ceased to be a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The Taoiseach John Aloysius Costello The Taoiseach: Ireland's constitutional position is governed by the provisions of the Constitution. In particular, Article 5 avers that Ireland is a sovereign, independent, democratic State, while Article 29 recognises that the State is, or may be, associated with the members of any group or league of nations for the purpose of international co-operation in matters of common concern. The constitutional position is that Ireland is a sovereign, independent, democratic State associated with the members of the British Commonwealth. The process by which Ireland ceased formally to be a member of that Commonwealth has been one of gradual development. Captain Cowan Captain Cowan Captain Cowan: Am I to take it, then, that the Taoiseach states that this country has ceased to be a member of the British Commonwealth? The Taoiseach John Aloysius Costello 1556 The Taoiseach: It has ceased to be formally a member, but is associated with the other members in accordance [1556] with Articles 5 and 29, to which I have referred. Captain Cowan Captain Cowan Captain Cowan: The Taoiseach says we are a sovereign, independent, democratic State—— The Taoiseach John Aloysius Costello The Taoiseach: No, Article 5 says that. Captain Cowan Captain Cowan Captain Cowan: I take it the same applies to the other members of the British Commonwealth of Nations? An Ceann Comhairle Frank Fahy An Ceann Comhairle: That is a separate matter. The Taoiseach John Aloysius Costello The Taoiseach: Do not ask me what applies to the other members; they are able to look after themselves. An Ceann Comhairle Frank Fahy An Ceann Comhairle: It is a much wider question. Dáil Éireann 112 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Ireland and British Commonwealth. Questions 19480728
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