Proposed Papal visit in 1989
Kenny asked whether the Government would invite Pope John Paul II to Ireland in 1989. Lenihan said any visit would require mutual agreement and declined to comment on whether one was under consideration.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government intend to invite His Holiness Pope John Paul II to visit Ireland during 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
The Government's position on any proposal of this kind would have to follow the established international practice covering visits by Heads of State. This requires that arrangements for any such visit should be agreed mutually in advance and that, if such a visit is to take place, it should be announced by agreement. Accordingly it would be inappropriate for me to comment in this or in any other such case on whether or not a visit is under consideration.