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

I raised the question of a visit by the Pontiff to the North of Ireland with the Taoiseach on a previous occasion. I raise it again, mindful of the fact that it is for the Pope and the Vatican to set the parameters of his activity. I do not wish to be intrusive but wish to reflect a very wide appetite North of the Border for the Pontiff to visit.

Encounters between faith communities and Government are very valuable. They have to be held in a spirit that is respectful and which recognises the delineation between churches, faith and theology on one hand and the State, with its obligations to support and respect all citizens, on the other.

Was the forthcoming referendum on the issue of the eighth amendment among the sensitive issues discussed by the Taoiseach with faith leaders? In the context of the World Meeting of Families, did family diversity, in Irish society and internationally, arise?

See this speech in context