John Bruton
Ceist:6 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the discussions, if any, he has had with Church leaders on policy issues. [17644/98]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Discussions with Church Leaders.
The circumstances of recent months, especially the difficulties surrounding Drumcree and the tragedy of Omagh, as well as other functions, such as the peace mass last July in the Pro-Cathedral, have afforded me the opportunity of frequent meetings with a number of Church leaders. I also met with Archbishop Empey last May and with Fr. Paul Byrne OMI of the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants last July.
The main preoccupation 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. I and my office continue 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 found that they have an important role to play that we neglect at our peril. It was demonstrated in the period leading up to the Downing Street Declaration and the two ceasefires, and also in the more recent past.
Will the Taoiseach have discussions with Christian Church leaders to ensure that any celebrations of the millennium take adequate account of the event it celebrates, the birth of Christ?
As I have stated previously, such meetings will take place with me or somebody else to ensure that Church leaders are involved in whatever celebrations we hold for the millennium.
In the Taoiseach's meetings with representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, has the draft document it recently published proposing changes to the Constitution been discussed and have any undertakings been given in that regard?
All my discussions have related to Northern matters.
Did the immigration issue arise in the Taoiseach's discussions with Church leaders, especially the work being done by the Catholic Church in Phibsborough, in his constituency? What steps are being taken to ensure that the State and Church co-operate on the immigrant issue?
I have met Fr. Paul Byrne of the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants. We discussed its programme and what it is seeking to do. I have asked the various Departments and agencies to work closely with the commission.
What about immigrants?
I have had numerous meetings with the group in my area.
Has the issue arisen in discussions?
Yes.
Will the Taoiseach have discussions with various Church leaders, including Muslim and Christian Church leaders, on the issue of religious persecution? Is he aware of serious examples of religious persecution in Egypt against the Christian population there?
When I meet them I will discuss those matters. The Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Brennan, or I will meet them shortly on the issue of the millennium.