Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

After I met representatives of the churches, the faith communities and the non-confessional bodies, I asked officials in the Department to prepare a structured dialogue process. The aims of the process, which was plenary and bilateral, ministerial and official, and generic and specific, were set out for each of the individual organisations and faith groups. One of the aims is to achieve mutual respect and understanding between the civil authorities and those who lead our churches, faith communities and non-confessional bodies. Deputy Martin pointed out that the groups in question have played a significant role in shaping the ideas, values and identity of our own people. Another one of the aims of the process is to respect the voice of the major institutions of civil society as a key part of our democratic process. That was reflected most forcefully in the constitutional treaty for the EU, which recognised the identity and specific contribution of the churches and philosophical and non-confessional bodies. As the Deputy is aware, that provision complemented the terms of the preamble to the treaty, which acknowledged the inspiration drawn from the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe and engaged with the principle of open, transparent and regular dialogue with the churches and non-confessional bodies, which operates under the European treaties.

There was an acceptance of the need to acknowledge the multicultural reality of a much diverse range of churches and faith communities, compared to that which existed in the past, in order to build better understanding across a more diverse society. It was agreed that there was a need to give recognition to the fact that embracing difference and diversity can intensify and deepen self-understanding. There was a focus on ensuring the structural dialogue did not in any sense compromise the principle of democratic accountability for policy. Finally, it was agreed that there was a need to be alive to the rights and positions of those who do not subscribe to religious faith and have contributed to the development of Irish society from a philosophical basis that does not derive from religious belief or practice. I set out the principles and aims of the structured dialogue process when I met the groups last year. The principles in question, which were followed through after they were outlined, are always borne in mind when discussions take place at official level and with the individual organisations, church groups, faith groups and non-confessional groups. I am very much aware of how sensitive this can be for people and how important it is to them. The issues with regard to individual school areas, etc., have been dealt with by the Minister for Education and Skills. When I next meet all the bodies or meet them bilaterally for structured dialogue, these principles will be clearly borne in mind. I take the Deputy's point and its importance. As I stated, it is outlined in the principles we have put in place for structured dialogue.

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