Sean Kearns:

1.      Will you work to reform the education system so that all children in your constituency can access publicly-funded schools which have no religious ethos?

I would think that there could be room for both

2.      Would you support a referendum to remove religious references from the Constitution?

I would

3.      Do you believe that blasphemy should be a criminal offence?

Everyone should be free in a modern society to hold their own beliefs, free from ridicule.  Would blasphemy not be a form of ridicule ? Some might consider it slander which is a criminal offence.  I have an open view on this & would like to hear the argument for “legalising” blasphemy (which would be the effect would it not)

4.     Would you support legislation to prevent hospitals from having a religious ethos?

I would think that there could be room for both

5.      If elected, would you vote to ensure that religious bodies are treated the same as other organisations under equality and employment legislation?

Yes

6.      Do you believe that religions should have to pay their fair share of tax on income that does not come from charitable activities?

Of course

Garreth McDaid:

1.      Will you work to reform the education system so that all children in your constituency can access publicly-funded schools which have no religious ethos? Yes

2.      Would you support a referendum to remove religious references from the Constitution? Yes

3.      Do you believe that blasphemy should be a criminal offence? No

4.      Would you support legislation to prevent hospitals from having a religious ethos? Yes

5.      If elected, would you vote to ensure that religious bodies are treated the same as other organisations under equality and employment legislation? Yes

6.      Do you believe that religions should have to pay their fair share of tax on income that does not come from charitable activities? Yes

7.      If you wish to provide a brief general statements of your views on the future development  of secularisation in Ireland, or to highlight any previous comments you have made on related issues, please do so.

I am an Agnostic and a Humanist. I believe in the unqualified separation of Church and State, and believe that institutions of the church that have systematically facilitated crimes against children should be eligible for proscription by the State.

In addition, see the statement provided by the Green Party on behalf of all its candidates.
Green Party statement

Martin Kenny

See the statement provided by Sinn Fein on behalf of all its candidates.

John Kelly:

See the statement provided by the Labour Party on behalf of all its candidates.

Frank Feighan:

See the statement provided by Fine Gael on behalf of all its candidates.

Dennis Naughten:

See the statement provided by Fine Gael on behalf of all its candidates.

No Response Received From:

Gerry Kilrane

Ivan Connaughton

Luke Flanagan

John McDermott

Fine Gael statement

Green Party statement

Labour Party Statement

Sinn Fein Statement