Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 4

Written Answers. - Dublin Castle Church Building.

Derek McDowell

Question:

90 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Finance the investigations, if any, carried out by his Department into the possibility of using the church building at Dublin Castle as a church; his views on this matter; and the approaches, if any, he has received from representatives of the Catholic Church in this respect. [9888/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Coveney)

It has not been the practice for a number of years to hold religious services in the Chapel Royal (Church of the Most Holy Trinity). The only exception was its use for an ecumenical prayer service during Ireland's last tenure of the EU Presidency in 1990. The chapel is open daily in Dublin Castle to the public to view and is regularly included in guided tours for visitors to the castle.

The castle receives a large number of requests each year from private individuals and organisations to use the chapel for various activities and it would be difficult for the management to allow some and not others without causing offence.

I am not aware of any approaches or otherwise which may have been made by representatives of the Catholic Church on the matter.