THE Fianna Fail leader expressed concern that the Government was not fully using the expertise of Northern church leaders in the peace process.

Mr Bertie Ahern said their involvement in the early stage was extremely helpful, adding a vital moral dimension. "Would the Taoiseach share my concern that in the last few years they seem to have been marginalised by the present Government and do not seem to have much involvement?"

The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, said they continued to play an extremely valuable role and were consulted regularly by him and by other representatives of the Government.