John Bruton
Ceist:18 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the discussions, if any, he has had with church leaders on policy issues. [17644/98]
Written Answers. - Discussions with Church Leaders.
The circumstances of the last three months, especially the difficulties surrounding Drumcree and the tragedy of Omagh, as well as other functions such as the peace Mass on 17 July in the Pro-Cathedral, have afforded me the opportunity of frequent meetings with a number of church leaders. I also met in May with Archbishop Empey and with Fr. Paul Byrne, OMI, of the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants, on 9 July.
The main pre-occupation of all of us has been to prevent further human tragedy by ensuring that the British-Irish Agreement, endorsed by the people, is proceeded with. My office continues to avail of the good services of individual clergy and community leaders to further the cause of peace, stability and reconciliation. I have always believed, and have found, that they have an important role to play; one that we neglect at our peril. That was demonstrated during the period leading up to the Downing Street Declaration and the two ceasefires, and also in the more recent past.