Mark Harrold:

This is a very necessary debate.  Religion is very embedded in our culture and would be hard to remove. Having said that, it was the religious institutions who have been at the root of the appalling catalogue of child abuse which has been such a blight on our country.  I support freedom to practice religion or freedom not to practice religion.  One of my favourite songs is John Lennon’s “Imagine”.  The separation of church and state is absolutely vital.  I hope this is an adequate response.

Clare Daly:

Deighted to hear from you. I’m one of the 186,318 registering no religion and describing myself as an atheist. Regarding your questions my answers are 1. yes, 2. yes, 3. no, 4. yes, 5. yes, 6. yes. I was active in establishing the first Educate Together school in Swords, and would have no problem in supporting any campaigns that you might have regardless of whether I get elected or not.

Alan Farrell:

1. Yes, but it must be said that parents are already voting with their feet. The largest catholic primary school in the country is in Malahide not because its religious but because it is regarded as one of the best primary schools for academic growth.

2. No, a referendum costs between €300,000 and €600,000 to the state and I am not entirely sure what purpose the deletions would serve.

3. No.

4. The question is leading but I believe that medicine and religion should not mix.

5. Yes but I would not prioritise such legislation over more important economic or reforming legislation.

6. I have no knowledge of this particular question and would have to research it in order to answer it properly.

In addition, see the statement provided by Fine Gael on behalf of all its candidates.

Brendan Ryan:

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

Tom Kelleher:

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

James Reilly:

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

Trevor Sargent

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

No Response Received From:

Darragh O’Brien

Michael Kennedy

Fine Gael statement

Green Party statement

Labour Party Statement