Government statement on invitation from The Church Leaders Group

The government has today considered the invitation which it received from The Church Leaders Group (Ireland) to the Service of Reflection and Hope which the Group is organising in Armagh later this month.

In considering the invitation, the government noted that its role in this matter is clearly distinct from that of the President.

In that regard, the government reiterates its full support and understanding for the decision made by President Higgins with regard to his attendance at the event. That decision was quite properly made by the President, and was based on concerns that he had consistently expressed.

Cognisant of that important distinction, and in recognition also of the spirit and intentions of the Church Leaders in organising the event, the government has decided that it will be represented at the event by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and by the Government Chief Whip.