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Local Enough?

Practice

Learn at your own pace, with an explanation after every answer. No score, no leaderboard – and not preparation for a citizenship test: just to know the country and your neighbours a little better.

State & history

Why does Ireland hold a referendum before ratifying major new EU treaties such as the Lisbon Treaty?

  • A EU law requires every member state to hold a referendum on treaties
  • B The President must approve each treaty by a public vote
  • C The Dáil is not allowed to vote on international treaties
  • ✓ The Supreme Court ruled in 1987 that such changes need a constitutional amendment Your answer

Correct!

In the Crotty case (1987) the Supreme Court decided that giving up national sovereignty in this way required changing the Constitution. Only the people can do this in a referendum.

Source: Crotty v An Taoiseach (1987); Bunreacht na hÉireann, Article 46 and Article 29

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