Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1111. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he will consider allowing religious ceremonies including baptisms and first holy communions to go ahead in churches in line with social distancing guidelines to ensure that these services which are an essential element of Catholicism can go ahead in the same way as weddings can. [33242/20]
View answer1112. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he will include priests on the list of essential workers to ensure that they can carry out their pastoral care duties in their parishes which can mean outside of the 5 km restrictions [33243/20]
View answer1144. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the provisions which prohibit the holding of public mass with a congregation in attendance in SI No. 413 of 2020; the provision or sections of the statutory instrument which prohibit or prevent the holding of public masses with a congregation in attendance; the legal basis for such a provision having regard to Article 44.2.1 of the Constitution which states freedom of conscience and the free profession and practice of religion subject to public order and morality guaranteed to every citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32404/20]
View answer1160. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the provisions which prohibit the holding of public mass with a congregation in attendance in SI No. 413 of 202; if, in the event such a provision is in the statutory instrument, he will set out the exact provision or sections which prohibits or prevents the holding of public masses with a congregation in attendance; the legal basis for such a provision having regard to Article 44.2.1 of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32460/20]
View answer1387. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the specific evidentiary basis for the restrictions on public worship; if he will reconsider permitting physical attendance at religious services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33499/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1111, 1112, 1144, 1160 and 1387 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September. This Framework sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The Plan sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It aims to allow society and businesses to be able to operate as normally as possible, while continuing to suppress the virus. The Plan is framed to account for periods during which there is a low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is a high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. It recognises the need for society and business to be allowed to continue as normally as possible and is designed so that either national or county level restrictions can be applied. Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services.
As I am sure the Deputies can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. COVID-19 is infectious in a person with no symptoms, or for the period of time before they develop symptoms. For this reason, we are all asked to be extra careful when socialising and working with others. For now, we must act like we have the virus to protect those around us from infection.
The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the Government Framework are based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible.
It is advised to socialise safely and within the capacity limits. These various limits in the Levels are all designed to reduce the number of households mixing with each other and cut down the virus’s chances of spreading into more homes.
The Deputies should note, that the numbers should not be considered a target - they are the maximum recommended number. It’s always safer to meet less people, less often, for less time. If we do this, we have a better chance of keeping to the lower Levels in the Framework, and continuing to keep businesses, schools, and healthcare services open, while also protecting the most vulnerable.
The ‘Framework for Restrictive Measures in Response to COVID-19’ in the Living with Covid Plan provides for restrictions on gatherings of people indoors given the higher risk associated with these types of activities and sets out when it is considered that religious services can take place with protective measures (Levels 1 and 2) and when they must move online (Levels 3,4 and 5). Weddings and funerals are exceptions and can continue at every level with limited numbers.
Churches and other places of worship can remain open for private prayer. It is also important to note that at all levels, Ministers of Religion are permitted to travel to perform a service on-line, to minister to the sick, and conduct a funeral or wedding ceremony. The relevant regulations relating to Level 5 restrictions are S.I. 448 of 2020 (Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (NO. 8) Regulations 2020).
Throughout the pandemic, the Government has sought to implement these measures on the basis of guidance as opposed to regulations wherever possible. It could be noted that holding a religious gathering is not a penal offence.
I and my Cabinet colleagues recognise the immense sacrifices that are being made be people across the country at this difficult time. I know that that includes many people who are affected by their inability to attend church in the way they have been used to. However, there has been significant engagement and solidarity from the Catholic Church and other Faiths at all stages throughout this pandemic to ensure the protection of individuals and communities from COVID-19. Indeed, as the Deputies will be aware, the Taoiseach met with the leaders of the Catholic Church last week to consider the range of issues relating this matter.
Finally, the Deputies will wish to note that comprehensive guidelines are in place to ensure that religious services can take place safely when they recommence: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/religioussettingsguidance/COVID_religious%20settings.pdf
