Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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26. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which, through the influence of the EU and UN, he will encourage the international community to progress towards peaceful co-existence between persons of different traditions and religious practices with a view to averting confrontations resulting in tragedy or conflict; if it may be found possible to encourage respect for one another's traditions as a means of promoting world peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2645/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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A dedicated unit of my Department has responsibility for Ireland’s efforts to resolve and prevent conflict. This Conflict Resolution Unit works closely with our Permanent Missions to the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe as well as with the relevant departments of those bodies to prevent and resolve conflicts, including many conflicts in which religion may be a factor.

I am strongly of the view, which I believe is widely shared in this house, that religion should be a factor in promoting peaceful co-existence and social harmony rather than a source of divisions. Ireland is a consistent supporter of freedom of religion and belief in international bodies and sees the legitimate exercise of such rights as a tool for the promotion of understanding and mutual respect.