The proper stance of the State towards the churches and faith communities "should be one of engagement and respectful dialogue", Bertie Ahern said last night.
"The State must acknowledge and recognise the spiritual dimension of its citizens," the Taoiseach said. "It must see as legitimate the consequences which flow from that spiritual dimension; and the importance of their religious faith for so many of our citizens."
Mr Ahern was speaking at a reception in Dublin hosted by the Government to honour Cardinal Seán Brady on his elevation to the College of Cardinals in Rome.
"Equally, in its policies, the Government must be respectful of those who do not hold a religious faith, but have clear philosophical and ethical positions, and a right to have these reflected in political debate," he said.
"The appropriate way for the State to reflect this is to provide acknowledgment and sympathetic engagement for faith communities, to celebrate their traditions and contribution, to support citizens of faith in their right to holistic personal development, and to do so in ways which reflect a truly pluralistic and inclusive approach that befits a democratic republic," he said.
Commenting on the occasion, he said: "it is an unfortunate feature of life that those who achieve distinction and honour in their chosen field are often the subject of a degree of begrudgery, in which congratulations are mixed with expressions of surprise, or even quiet emphasis on shortcomings." Laughter greeted this.
Mr Ahern continued that it was clear Cardinal Brady's elevation "was a magnificent exception to that rule. His personal qualities, his pastoral concern, his record of engagement with his flock and with all of those coming into contact with him, as well as his quiet but insistent support for peace and reconciliation, have been universally recalled and admired. His appointment has truly been a matter for celebration."
Thanking the Taoiseach, Cardinal Brady pointed out that it was the politicians who made the peace in Northern Ireland.
"I salute the many peacemakers gathered in this hall tonight," he said, insisting his own role in the peace process had been "greatly exaggerated". He praised Cardinal Cahal Daly, who was present, "for his steadfast pursuit of peace".
The large attendance included government Ministers Brian Cowen, Brian Lenihan, Dick Roche and Sean Haughey, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Joan Burton of the Labour Party, Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and SDLP leader Mark Durkan.
Religious leaders included Archbishop Diarmuid Martin,Archbishop John Neill, Chief Rabbi Yaakov Pearlman, Imam Hussein Halaya, Rev Roy Cooper, president of the Methodist Church, and Rev Dr John Finlay, the Presbyterian Moderator.