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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Questions (1293, 1525)

Robert Troy

Question:

1293. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if socially distanced religious services will resume for Easter week. [15513/21]

View answer

Claire Kerrane

Question:

1525. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to churches reopening over the Easter period. [14557/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1293 and 1525 together.

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. The public health measures recognise the need to reduce congregation and interactions between people to reduce opportunities for the transmission of Covid-19.

The ‘Framework for Restrictive Measures in Response to COVID-19 provides for restrictions on gatherings of people indoors given the higher risk associated with these types of activities. The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the plan is 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. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.

The Framework 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.

I and my Cabinet colleagues recognise the immense sacrifices that are being made by people across the country at this difficult time. That includes the 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.

In February, the Taoiseach met with representatives of the Catholic Church to discuss the current level of Covid-19 restrictions and the Church’s desire to return to worship, in particular during the season of Lent and with the approach of Holy Week and Easter. At that meeting the Taoiseach acknowledged the importance of the Church community in people’s lives at this time of stress and worry. He outlined the ongoing concerns regarding the spread of the virus, particularly the new variants, stressing that any increase at all in mobility can have serious consequences for public health and put pressure on the health service. It was agreed to maintain dialogue as the situation evolves.

As the Deputies will appreciate, the level of COVID-19 disease in Ireland remains very high and the epidemiological position is volatile. Public health advice is that it is too early to say how and when restrictions should be eased given current uncertainties. The current public health measures will remain in place until 5 April. Government will meet in advance of that date to review the level of restrictions.

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