Official Engagements.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2009

Tuesday, 15 December 2009

Questions (233, 234)

Alan Shatter

Question:

246 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, at their recent meeting, the Papal Nuncio agreed that he and the Vatican would furnish the Murphy commission with all documentation and information previously sought by it in connection with its inquiry into the archdiocese of Dublin; if he confirmed that there would be similar co-operation with regard to the inquiry being conducted into the diocese of Cloyne and with regard to any other diocese that may be the subject of investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47017/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

268 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the talks he has had with the Vatican and its representatives regarding the Murphy report on child sex abuse in the diocese of Dublin. [47175/09]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 268 together.

I refer the Deputies to my reply to Priority Questions 29 and 30 earlier today. I understand that elements of the Holy See's response to the report of the Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Investigation are still under consideration by the Vatican. I can assure the Deputies that I impressed upon the Papal Nuncio at our recent meeting the desire of the Government that the Holy See would provide the fullest possible cooperation with the ongoing work of the Commission and with any other such investigations that might be established. He undertook to pass on my strong views on the need for full cooperation with ongoing and future investigations.