Seanad debates

Thursday, 9 February 2012

11:00 am

Photo of Jim WalshJim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I move that under No. 16 on the Order Paper, motion No. 6, be taken today. The motion is in the name of Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin Members, as well as Senators Mullen, Quinn, van Turnhout, McAleese and Mac Conghail. When I raised this matter on the Order of Business last week, I was asked to wait to hear what the Tánaiste had to say.

The motion asks the Government to convey to the Holy See its intention to welcome a visit by the Pope to Ireland in an official capacity. Last week, we explained the difference between a pastoral visit and an official state visit. The Tánaiste indicated that the Government would facilitate the Pope if he wished to visit. The Pope can visit without being facilitated by the Government, however. This is a question of the Government sending a signal which would be contrary to the negative signals sent over the past year.

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