Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

At the start of this process it was the view of all Members that the public should be the final arbiter with regard to the offers the congregations would make. In that regard, the Government will, having taken a decision and discussed it with both parties, allow the public to be the arbiter. It would be inappropriate for the Government to interfere with regard to making recommendations as to what should happen in Ferns or to interfere in church matters in general. Therefore, I will refrain from making any such comment. I am conscious the public will decide the adequacy or otherwise of the offer that has been made by the congregations.

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