Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As Deputy Rabbitte noted, the Taoiseach has given a reply that was published this morning. The Taoiseach stated the structure will allow for a plenary meeting between representatives of the churches and the faith communities every year — I assume this would be among themselves — while separate bilateral meetings between the Government and the different faiths will be held on an ongoing basis. Can the Taoiseach provide any details in this regard? Representatives of the aforementioned churches would find it most informative to meet members of the Cabinet, particularly as they themselves follow the words of the Gospel and their religious beliefs in respect of keeping one's word and so on. Representatives of the aforementioned Lutheran church would be extremely interested to meet the Ministers of State and some of the Ministers.

Although this is a serious business, members of the Cabinet and the churches are busy people. How does the Taoiseach envisage the practicalities of such meetings? It would not be desirable for people to form a perception that a particular church met the Taoiseach, Tánaiste or Ministers and that consequently, things emerged. The former Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, stated that she wanted the special relationship between State and church broken up.

I do not know whether the Taoiseach considered a suggestion I made a couple of years ago. I suggested that under the office of the President, a constitutional liaison officer with the churches could be appointed. As such an officer would be completely objective and independent, Cabinet members would not be perceived to be under any pressure from a particular church or its members. The officer could report regularly to the Cabinet as to the views, perceptions, concerns and anxieties of any church or group.

In a small country such as Ireland, the Taoiseach and other Ministers meet heads of churches and other religious leaders regularly on formal and social occasions and so on. I am uncertain whether the Taoiseach considers this suggestion to have any validity. It might be a practical and streamlined method of getting messages to the church leaders from the Government and vice versa without any perception of pressure, interference or favouritism. I do not suggest this would apply. Did the Taoiseach give the suggestion any consideration?

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