Simon Harris has criticised the Bishop of Elphin over his comments about contraception - insisting that religion 'will not determine' health policy in Ireland.
In remarks quoted by the Irish Times, Bishop Kevin Doran argued that the Church's teachings on contraception "need to be presented in a fresh way".
He was speaking at an event to mark the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae, which restricted almost all artificial contraception.
Bishop Doran told those in attendance: "It may seem to some that contraception has liberated women insofar as it allows them to take control of their own fertility.
"But the fact that they are less likely to become pregnant also takes away from women one of the principle motives or freedoms for saying no to unwanted sex."
He claimed there is a "very direct connection between the contraceptive mentality" and support for same-sex marriage.
He also suggested that there is "undoubtedly a place in schools" for the Church's teachings on human sexuality.
Health Minister Simon Harris took to Twitter to respond to the bishop's remarks - insisting that "increasing access to & availability of contraception is and will remain public health policy".
Please just make it stop! Increasing access to & availability of contraception is and will remain public health policy. Religion plays an important role for many on an individual basis - but it will not determine health and social policy in our country any more. Please get that. https://t.co/BMwIL4fNEE
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 5, 2018
