Conscientious objection to abortion plus faith-based education will be raised by the Irish Catholic bishops at a Government meeting with religious and non-faith organisations that Leo Varadkar will chair at Dublin Castle on July 4.
In response to a request by Martin Fraser, the Taoiseach’s secretary general, that each delegation propose up to three topics for discussion, the bishops listed “conscience, care of the marginalised, and support for parents who wish for a faith-based education for their children”.
The hierarchy has nominated Diarmuid Martin, the archbishop of Dublin, and Ms Siobhan Hanley, Head of Region for Trócaire NI, to attend the meeting.
Mr Varadkar has said Government ministers are being told to keep their diaries clear for July 4th in order to attend the meeting and respond to issues relevant to their portfolios. The Tanaiste and the ministers for health, education and justice are expected to attend.
