Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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59. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with faith and non-confessional groups to discuss a structured dialogue process. [63182/25]

Micheál 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 is working 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.