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 has been suggested that Pope
Benedict might attend.
In a press release, Senator Cáit Keane (pictured) said she supports a
call made by the Association of Catholic Priests in Ireland’s request
to postpone the event on the basis that she believes it is “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, 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 Manager 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.