Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not disagree with what the Deputy said. A structured dialogue was initiated by my predecessors and I think it worked reasonably well in that it did allow for formal engagement between the Government of the day and individual faith leaders. As I said, we had face to face discussions with the groups I mentioned. It might be more appropriate if there were more regular meetings on the issues common to everybody.

I agree with the Deputy's comments on anti-Semitism and xenophobia and the need for understanding and tolerance in this country. We still have an opportunity to deal with that issue in a much better way than many other countries that have or have not been able to deal with it.

In the period ahead, as things settle down, I expect to meet the faith leaders again to discuss these matters. In fact, if it would be of added value, I would not mind having a discussion with the Deputies as leaders on the issues that might be raised or having the opportunity to have a collective discussion with them on their views on different issues. It is not for me alone, either as a person or because of the job I hold, to say I have all the answers in the meeting the faith leaders and the leaders of the different churches. Perhaps taking the opportunity at some stage to bring everybody together for a general discussion might be well worthwhile.

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