Lines to take... the suggestions made by the press office

On the Pope’s visit

‘It is a significant visit of one of the most recognised global and spiritual leaders in the world... it is a major historic event that generates major global exposure for Ireland’.

On the Pope meeting abuse victims

‘As the Taoiseach has previously stated, it would be appropriate for the Pope to address the issue of clerical abuse or abuse by State and Church authorities and if possible to meet with some victims and survivors.’

The Pope and LGBT families

‘It is the Government’s view that families should be respected and seen in their diversity. As the Taoiseach has stated, we fully respect the separation between Church and State and that religious freedom applies to this also.’

The Pope not visiting the North’

‘We understand from the Vatican it was not possible to include a visit to the North this time. We would welcome and support such a proposal should it be considered at a future date.’

If ‘pushed’ about the Pope’s tight schedule

‘The Taoiseach has said that he believed it appropriate for the Pope to meet with some of the victim of clerical abuse or abuse by State and Church authorities. The Government would welcome and support a visit to Northern Ireland at a future date. ‘Ultimately the Papal schedule is decided by the Vatican.’

Cost of the visit (which should be referred to as the State’s ‘necessary support’)

‘The State is providing the necessary support for this visit, as we have done with previous visits of this size and scale.’

If pushed on the specific costs

Accurate figures ‘will not be available until after the event’. The majority of costs ‘relate to the security, safety and wellbeing of those attending, in particular, in regard to the large numbers expected at the Phoenix Park’.

On the benefit to Ireland of the visit:

Images of this trip ‘will be seen around the world’ and that there ‘is an estimated 1.6bn followers of the Catholic faith across the world’.