Our Constitution
2013-2014 – Convention on the Constitution
Convention on the Constitution
Bunreacht na hÉireann – Constitution of Ireland
On 1 July 1937 the people approved a new Constitution, Bunreacht na hÉireann, replacing the 1922 Constitution of the Irish Free State.
The Constitution sets out our basic laws describing how Ireland should be governed, the main institutions of the State and the rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens. It also reflects the values at the heart of Irish society.
Over the past 75 years the Constitution has been amended a number of times, by the people, to reflect historical and societal change.
 |
| Click here to see current version |
Amending the Constitution
Article 46 of the Constitution provides that every proposal for amendment must be initiated in Dáil Éireann as a Bill. Having been passed or deemed to have passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, the Bill is submitted by referendum to the decision, by simple majority, of the people.
Amendments to the Constitution since 1937 are listed in Bunreacht na hÉireann.
Previous Reports on the Constitution
| Report of the Constitution Review Group 1996 | Download |
| All-Party Oireachtas Committee First Progress Report 1997 | Download |
| All-Party Oireachtas Committee Second Progress Report Seanad Eireann 1997 | Download |
| All-Party Oireachtas Committee Third Progress Report :The President 1998 | Download |
| All-Party Oireachtas Committee Fourth Progress Report: The Courts and Judiciary 1999 | Download |
| All-Party Oireachtas Committee Fifth Progress Report: Abortion 2000 | Download |
| All-Party Oireachtas Committee Sixth Progress Report: The Referendum 2001 | Download |
| All-Party Oireachtas Committee Seventh Progress Report: Parliament 2002 | Download |
| All-Party Oireachtas Committee Eighth Progress Report: Government 2003 | Download |
| All-Party Oireachtas Committee Ninth Progress Report: Private Property 2004 | Download |
| All-Party Oireachtas Committee Tenth Progress Report: The Family 2006 | Download |
| Bunreacht na Éireann: A study of the Irish text | Download |
For further information on the Constitution and the work of the Convention please see Resource Area/videos.
