Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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351. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the protocol involved in a visit of the Pope to Ireland, given that he is a Head of State, and if an invitation would be extended by the Government for such a visit, or by the Catholic Church. [14311/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The procedures leading to visits to Ireland by international dignitaries such as Heads of State and Government vary, depending on circumstances. Such visits are generally preceded by contacts over time which serve to clarify the interest on the part of various parties, notably Heads of State and the respective governments, in such a visit taking place. In the case of Papal visits abroad, the local Catholic Church is a key stakeholder.

When the Taoiseach met Pope Francis in April 2014, he availed of the opportunity to advise that were the Pope to accept an invitation from the Catholic bishops, such a visit would have the full support of the Government. The Government would hope that were Pope Francis to visit Ireland, he would also take the opportunity to visit Northern Ireland.