Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The discussion on this particular area relates to church-State relations generally and people's perspectives. It is an exchange of views held in normal delegate format where a group meets the Taoiseach or the person whom it wants to meet and sets out its position. It does not necessarily have to be a public forum. One can indicate through private questions and otherwise the general tone or content of discussions but not all discussions in this context have to be held in a public forum. There are various and continuing opportunities for church or faith groups to interact with committees on areas of interest to them by invitation, written submission or representation and advocacy with committee members who can reflect those points of view at the committee proceedings concerned. The issue does not need to be put into a public process. That does not mean we cannot speak about it, discuss it and have questions on it but it is better to conduct it as it is being conducted.

Everybody in education is mindful of the patronage of schools. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin has made some very helpful and instructive comments in this area in terms of the church's position and how structures will be developed. This matter reflects the social and demographic change in the country. We should continue to work through those issues. Many of the churches are in constant contact with line Departments where they have an ongoing, day-to-day involvement regarding these policy questions.

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