Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 1: To ask the Taoiseach the progress to date in regard to the structured dialogue with churches, faith communities and non-confessional bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14628/08]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 2: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the structural dialogue between the Government and the faith communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19681/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 3: To ask the Taoiseach if he will continue with the structured dialogue with churches, faith communities and others in civic life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20932/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.

The process, inaugurated by my predecessor, has continued with inaugural meetings between Government and the Presbyterian and Methodist churches.

The meeting with the Presbyterian Church took place on 6 February. The then Taoiseach was accompanied by the Minister for Education and Science, the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs and by the Minister of State with special responsibility for equality issues and officials. The Presbyterian Church delegation was led by the Moderator, Rt. Reverend Dr. John Finlay, Reverend Dr. Donald Watts, Clerk of the General Assembly and members of the community. The discussions addressed a range of issues including education, civil partnerships legislation, the bill of rights and the EU reform treaty.

The meeting with the Methodist Church took place on 21 February. The Government was represented by the Minister for Transport, accompanied by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs and the Minister of State with special responsibility for integration policy. The Methodist Church delegation was led by Reverend Roy Cooper, president, Reverend Donald Ker, secretary and members of the community. The discussions covered a wide range of issues in education, social policy, property and heritage protection.

At a special general meeting, the then Taoiseach was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with many of the consultation and dialogue partners on Tuesday, 22 April to thank them for their support and commitment to the process of dialogue and to review the progress which had been made to date.

The process of structured dialogue was envisaged from the outset as an enduring channel of consultation and communications. I am satisfied that it will develop in the years to come to be a very valuable support in dealing with issues of change in society and confident that the opportunity to exchange perspectives and address issues of mutual concern in this way will be of great benefit to all the participants.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I welcome the progress that has been made in the structured dialogue between the Government and the churches. Does the Taoiseach consider it would be helpful to have this dialogue on a more public basis, perhaps through an Oireachtas committee? What progress has been made with regard to the patronage of schools?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The discussion on this particular area relates to church-State relations generally and people's perspectives. It is an exchange of views held in normal delegate format where a group meets the Taoiseach or the person whom it wants to meet and sets out its position. It does not necessarily have to be a public forum. One can indicate through private questions and otherwise the general tone or content of discussions but not all discussions in this context have to be held in a public forum. There are various and continuing opportunities for church or faith groups to interact with committees on areas of interest to them by invitation, written submission or representation and advocacy with committee members who can reflect those points of view at the committee proceedings concerned. The issue does not need to be put into a public process. That does not mean we cannot speak about it, discuss it and have questions on it but it is better to conduct it as it is being conducted.

Everybody in education is mindful of the patronage of schools. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin has made some very helpful and instructive comments in this area in terms of the church's position and how structures will be developed. This matter reflects the social and demographic change in the country. We should continue to work through those issues. Many of the churches are in constant contact with line Departments where they have an ongoing, day-to-day involvement regarding these policy questions.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I welcome some of the developments that have taken place here. Has the Taoiseach had a dialogue with the Muslim community as part of this structural dialogue? Was there any discussion or explanation from the Government on its position on the wearing of the hijab, the headdress worn by Muslim women, and the burqa? Was this discussed at the structural dialogue with that community? Is that of concern or interest to the Government given that women in this country are supposed to have equality of opportunity? Was the issue discussed or raised or was any reference made to it?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The consultations and discussions to date have been addressed to approximately 20 churches and philosophical societies and there have been other expressions of interest, which are being addressed. The Muslim community will be part of that. It will be largely for the communities to address the issue of appropriate representation at meetings. It is hoped the delegations and their dialogue contributions will authentically reflect the diversity and views of the various communities. I recognise that each community participating would have views and positions on a great number of issues and it will not be possible in any one meeting to address the totality. This is reflected in the dialogue being structured as an enduring process. We have invited participants to nominate their priority interests and concerns for bilateral discussion for each inaugural meeting with the Government. Other issues can be addressed subsequently through correspondence or added to the agenda for bilateral meetings as the process continues. Discussions include the services provided by the communities and general issues of interest to society. On the Deputy's question on whether the specific issue to which he refers was raised, I would have to check.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Are specific dates set for the bilateral meetings with the different churches? How many will take place this year? Following any discussions on the problem of dress as far as the Muslim community is concerned, will the Minister for Education and Science announce Government policy on it?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In view of the contacts made thus far, the next step on an official level is that we would welcome a plenary session with all the partners in the near future. That is on foot of my entry into office as Taoiseach but also because a wider coming together of all the partners from time to time reflecting a wider sense of community and mutual acceptance is important for our life together as a nation. It is felt that a plenary session might be a helpful step in seeing where we go generally with the process and give everybody an indication of their involvement and a sense of what the potential of this dialogue might ultimately provide. A parliamentary question to the Minister for Education and Science might elicit more accurate information on his position.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There seems to be a difficulty with some representatives who are sent here and maintained by their churches in other countries. If they come to preach or teach to whatever congregation they have in this country, when their remit is over after 12 months they must return to their countries for 12 months before they are allowed back in, despite the fact that they may be fully maintained and funded by their churches in their home countries. Has that matter been brought to the Taoiseach's attention? A number of these missionaries have contacted my office about that problem.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It has not, as far as I am aware. However if specific issues give rise to a wider general concern perhaps the Deputy would communicate them to me.