Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is fine. Okay. I just think it is bad practice to mix everything because then no one gets answers. I have made that point.

I could ask the Taoiseach 100 different things. I believe such structured dialogue is very good. In any republic there must be clear separations of state and churches. It is not appropriate for any faith community to expect that the law of the land tallies with its theological view of the world. We must also respect people's right to practise their faith and that cuts across all denominations - Roman Catholic and others.

I ask the Taoiseach to enlighten us as to the discussion he had with the representatives of the Catholic hierarchy in respect of the eighth amendment. What did they say to him? What did he say to them? Were any requests made of the Taoiseach? Did they lobby him in any way in respect of the position the Government might reach? Did they suggest not having a referendum? In the event of a referendum did they promote a particular approach? What did the Taoiseach tell them? Did he tell them it is the Government's view to repeal the eighth amendment to protect women? What was said?

Did they give the Taoiseach a date for the Pope's visit? Does the Pope intend to go North?

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