Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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185. To ask the Taoiseach if he will meet with the four archbishops as per their meeting request. [33243/20]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On 28 October I met with leaders of the Catholic Church - Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly and Bishop Dermot Farrell.

Discussion focused mainly on the effect which the current Covid-19 restrictions are having on the health and well-being of the faith community and the great desire to return to worship as soon as possible.

The Archbishops emphasised that they are fully supportive of the Public Health messages but highlighted that the coming together in prayer and worship, especially for Mass and the Sacraments, is fundamental to Christian tradition and a source of nourishment for the life and well-being of whole communities.

In thanking the Archbishops for their support I acknowledged the major role that Religious leaders have in supporting people and giving hope at this time of stress and worry - reaching out to those who may feel isolated or marginalised.

I outlined the reasoning behind the Government’s plan for living with Covid-19and the need to strike the right balance between all forms of social and economic activity and public health.

The need for a shared understanding of the effects of the pandemic as it evolves and to align our response accordingly was recognised.

All agreed the importance of ongoing constructive engagement and solidarity in facing and overcoming the challenges of Covid-19 together.