Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The consultations and discussions to date have been addressed to approximately 20 churches and philosophical societies and there have been other expressions of interest, which are being addressed. The Muslim community will be part of that. It will be largely for the communities to address the issue of appropriate representation at meetings. It is hoped the delegations and their dialogue contributions will authentically reflect the diversity and views of the various communities. I recognise that each community participating would have views and positions on a great number of issues and it will not be possible in any one meeting to address the totality. This is reflected in the dialogue being structured as an enduring process. We have invited participants to nominate their priority interests and concerns for bilateral discussion for each inaugural meeting with the Government. Other issues can be addressed subsequently through correspondence or added to the agenda for bilateral meetings as the process continues. Discussions include the services provided by the communities and general issues of interest to society. On the Deputy's question on whether the specific issue to which he refers was raised, I would have to check.

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