Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The article in today's edition of The Irish Times merely stated that officials were continuing their contacts with the churches. This is well known because quite a number of articles in this regard appeared in the religious magazines. The remainder of the article was taken up with the journalist's conversations with representatives of churches. Consequently, my reply did not appear in the newspaper.

This area is complex both in Ireland and in other countries. More than 150 nationalities now live in Ireland and while I do not know the current tally, more than 30 churches were present in Ireland when we engaged in consultations regarding the European constitution. A number of these churches wish to set up schools and extend their church-related services in different ways. In some cases, the children of members of these churches attend integrated schools. They wish to engage with the State in respect of a range of issues.

The reason this has taken so long is because we needed to agree to introduce a process whereby meetings would be held once a year with everybody where there would be total integration and that, in turn, the churches mentioned by me would meet with the relevant Minister and officials. Officials from the Department of the Taoiseach would try to co-ordinate this process but they would not meet representatives from the churches other than when necessary. This process will not cut across some of the long-established arrangements that been in place with the churches for years, chiefly for health and education issues. Delegations from the main churches have come in together to discuss European legislation and equality issues for a number of years. This does not create any great conflict. The only change relates to a tradition dating back to the foundation of the State whereby some church leaders pay a Christmas visit but this is purely a courtesy call. As far as meetings are concerned, they tend to operate together.

The process was in the constitution because it is major issue in other countries and will become a major issue for us, namely, the range of faiths and non-faith groups represented in this country at full level. It is important that these people feel they have a voice in Government and are able to put forward their cases. I recently met imams representing both the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam in Ireland. The imams of this country are working together at a time when such co-operation is not taking place in other countries. They will examine the introduction of schools in this country which will represent all of their community. These issues are difficult enough to address. From my discussions with them, I am also very conscious that they read Dáil debates on every issue that affects them very assiduously. We are very anxious to help them in respect of these issues, bring about some resolution in respect of them and assist them in obtaining land because the community is growing very rapidly. There are 35,000 or so Muslims in the country.

These are very important issues and require delicate handling. The President can play a role but because of the number and range of faiths, the process must be closer to Government. For 60 or 70 years, these issues would probably have affected only four or five churches but will now affect many more. The process will probably have to take place in Government Buildings but will link in with others. It will not involve many people but these people are seeking direct engagement with the Government and Ministers.

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