Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

No, there has not been any specific discussion in respect of that matter. As I said regarding broader policy issues, normal sectoral exchanges go on between individual Departments and churches on various issues, but that is not an issue with which I have dealt.

Regarding the broader issue, the Department of Education and Skills is the lead Department handling these matters. It has been liaising with congregations and various State bodies to determine the potential use of various property offers to determine their acceptability to the State. I understand that the Department will be reporting to Government in respect of this matter shortly. Until we have that discussion, I am not in a position to say further where we are at.

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