asked the Taoiseach the Church-State meetings, if any, which have taken place since he assumed office; and, if so, the matters discussed at such meetings.

The answer is none. It is normal practice for the Taoiseach to meet the leaders of the different Churches from time to time on an informal and private basis. I intend to continue this practice.

Do I understand from the Taoiseach's reply that he has not had meetings on an informal and private basis with the leaders of any of the Churches since he assumed office?

I had a very brief courtesy call from a member of the Hierarchy of the Church of Ireland but it was of no particular significance. It was just a casual meeting.

Had the Taoiseach prior consultations with or agreement from the leaders of the various Churches prior to proposing contemporaneous Church services on 12 July to mark commemoration of the war dead?

I wrote to all the heads of the Churches giving them my suggestions as to what form the commemoration ceremonies might take this year. As the Deputy knows, a meeting is now proposed at party deputy leader level to discuss that matter.

Does the Taoiseach envisage any change in the practice of Church-State relations during the term of his Government as distinct from the practice during the term of the last Coalition Government when we were led to believe that Church-State relations had reached their lowest ebb in the wake of the abortion and divorce referendum.

I do not think the Deputy should tempt me into criticising my predecessor in this way.