Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I had asked about this meeting in July and the Taoiseach answered that national and international issues were discussed but did not elaborate on which specific ones were discussed. The media reported that one of the topics in the dialogue with the church hierarchy was the World Meeting of Families to be held in Ireland next August.

While it is organised by the Dublin diocese, it will involve events throughout the country and thousands of people in its organisation. Many thousands more will apparently visit Ireland during that particular week. Could the Taoiseach indicate whether the Government reaffirmed its commitment to assist the organisers to make the event as successful as possible? Could he also confirm whether that is the occasion when Pope Francis will visit Ireland and attend the event?

Separately, it was reported that the Taoiseach discussed the issue of referendums at the meeting. As was confirmed yet again this morning, the Government has developed a habit of briefing journalists about referenda it intends to hold and when it intends holding them. To avoid any doubt, will the Taoiseach confirm that he understands the Government cannot call any referendum as doing so is a power which rests in the hands of the Oireachtas. Every Deputy and every party holds exactly the same right as the Government to propose the holding of a referendum. This is nothing new. I recall the Taoiseach's predecessor saying that there would be a referendum day about two years ago, so every now and again the reference to a multiplicity of referendums gets aired. Could the Taoiseach indicate why he did not consult first with parties in the Oireachtas as to the optimal approach to the holding of referendums and also the prioritisation of the various referendums that are being proposed?

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