Papal visit to Ireland
Deputy McLoughlin asked for an update on Pope Francis's planned visit to Ireland. The Taoiseach confirmed the visit for the World Meeting of Families, welcomed him, and said civil authorities would assist with security and coordination.
This morning, I read with interest the announcement regarding the papal visit to Ireland in August. The Taoiseach might give us an update on that. Has he been informed of the visit as yet?
Comment on this
The Vatican confirmed this morning that Pope Francis will visit Ireland for the World Meeting of Families in Dublin on 25 and 26 August. While it is not a formal State visit, it is the visit of a Head of State and the spiritual leader of 1 billion Catholics, and millions of Catholics in this country. He is certainly a welcome guest and I look forward to greeting him during his visit. There will be appropriate involvement of civil authorities, including security, public safety, protocol and co-ordination.