Written answers

Wednesday, 12 November 2025

Department of An Taoiseach

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Photo of Seán Ó FearghaílSeán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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67. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with faith and non-confessional groups to discuss a structured dialogue process. [48523/25]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I met with representatives of Faith and Non-Confessional groups in Government Buildings on 1st September 2025 to exchange ideas on an agenda and working methods for a structured dialogue.

At that meeting, we discussed topics including social cohesion, reconciliation, and proposals for an open, transparent, and regular engagement with Faith and Non-Confessional Groups. I very much welcomed the constructive and engaged discussion and I noted that in today’s busy world, with many competing technologies and platforms, it is vital that we create and protect spaces that allow for open, respectful, and dignified debate and discussion on issues of mutual interest and concern. Indeed, I gave a commitment to progressing that meaningful engagement over the coming weeks and months.

In furtherance of that commitment, officials in the Protocol and Civic Policy Unit of the Department of the Taoiseach are engaging with the Centre for Religion, Human Values, and International Relations in Dublin City University. The Centre will work with Faith and Non-Confessional Groups in order to develop an agreed format and schedule for the structured dialogue process with a view to presenting recommendations before the end of the year

Photo of Malcolm ByrneMalcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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72. To ask the Taoiseach to report on his bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. [52402/25]

Photo of Malcolm ByrneMalcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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73. To ask the Taoiseach to report on his recent meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. [54137/25]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.

I was pleased to have a constructive meeting with Prime Minister Carney during my official visit to Ottawa on 25 September. We discussed bilateral relations, the strongly growing economic connections between us, our shared democratic values, historical ties, and people-to-people links including the upcoming ‘Ireland-Canada 180’ initiative.

We also discussed international issues including EU relations and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has supported an increase in bilateral trade, and the ongoing situations in the Middle East and Ukraine.

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