A Fine Gael senator has called for the postponement of the International Eucharistic Congress, set to be held in 
Ireland next year, in the wake of the publication of the Cloyne report.
The Congress is set to be one of the biggest events held by the Catholic Church in recent times. It was suggested that Pope Benedict might attend.
In a press release, Senator Cáit Keane (pictured) said she supported a call made by the Association of Catholic Priests in Ireland’s request to postpone the event on the basis that she believed it was “not an appropriate time for an event such as the Eucharistic Congress to take place in this country”.
“I believe that everyone will be better served, given the sensitivities around the findings of this report, that it be held at a later date,” she added.
Speaking in the Seanad on Tuesday, Senator Keane also suggested that Dublin City Council should “consider withdrawing the use of the Phoenix Park for the Eucharistic Congress”.
She asked the Leader of the Seanad to write to the City Manger and the councillors about withholding the use of the Phoenix Park.
In response, Fianna Fáil Senator Terry Leyden urged the Leader not to write to Dublin City Council to suggest withdrawing permission for the Congress to use the Phoenix Park .
“Under no circumstances should he do so,” Senator Leyden said.
“He should welcome the fact that the Eucharistic Congress will come to Dublin in 2012. It will be a marvellous boost to the city.”
He said he welcomed the Congress it and encouraged the Leader to write to Dublin City Council to commend it for its decision to give permission allowing the Congress to use the Phoenix Park.