Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.

I was very pleased to continue the series of meetings in the structured process of dialogue between the Government and the churches, faith communities and non-confessional organisations in Ireland. With Government colleagues, I met the Humanist Association of Ireland, the Religious Society of Friends and the Baha'i community on 11 October last. The meetings were very positive and addressed a wide range of issues relating to the role of churches and non-confessional groups in society, education and health services, migration and integration issues, peace and reconciliation and the environment.

The Humanist Association of Ireland had been invited to prepare an agenda for this inaugural meeting that would have facilitated an initial discussion at the meeting. A comprehensive document was prepared and published by the association on its website in advance of the meeting. It was not possible to address all the issues of concern to the Humanist Association on this occasion. Our discussion concentrated on issues relating to education and health. In education, it is specifically looking at parental preference in schools, issues of capacity and choice, teacher training and the role of chaplains in education. In health, it has broadly similar issues relating to patient services, ethics and certain concerns with regard to chaplains and symbols. Many other issues such as constitutional change, marriage registration and charities legislation were also discussed. The full range of issues is set out in the submission received from the Humanist Association and I recommend interested parties to consult it directly.

Our meeting was very positive with a lively discussion in which the proposals of the association were addressed in the light of established circumstances. It was not anticipated that the meeting would give rise to immediate initiatives towards change. Nonetheless, it was a welcome opportunity to exchange perspectives and develop a better appreciation of the Humanist view.

The bilateral meetings are oriented towards the exchange of views on these important subjects. The dialogue process is not intended as a negotiation forum or towards decision making on immediate issues. These are matters that would be addressed with individual Ministers and Departments having regard to their functional responsibilities. Our purpose in the process is to afford an opportunity for the expression and consideration of the faith perspectives and principles of all the partners. It is particularly useful at a time of rapid change in society. Recent years have brought new cultures and identities to be included in our society. There have also been significant changes from the patterns of previous generations of the Irish people with regard to their faith identities and observance.

Deputies will recall that the process of dialogue was launched at Dublin Castle in February last with a plenary assembly of the dialogue partners. Bilateral meetings took place with the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, the Jewish community and the Islamic community prior to the general election. I am looking forward to meeting other partners in the process shortly. My officials are engaged in making the arrangements for those meetings.

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