Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle. I add my voice to this call. It is fundamentally wrong to deny people in Ireland the right to attend Mass, a service or public worship, depending on their religion. This Government needs to be fair with people and show some compassion. People are finding the pandemic very tough and challenging and this is a very dark time for many. Why not give them the solace of attending their churches with the comfort and support that people get from that? I commend Canon White, the Catholic priest who took the case in Scotland where worship was found to be legal. It appears the State here does not know whether public worship is legal or illegal. That shows us straightaway that it is on shaky ground and very unsure of itself. The Garda press office was unable to confirm whether public worship is a relevant event under the appropriate legislation. We are in a very serious situation. It was wrong to ban public worship and unfair on people and I am asking the Government to show some compassion, particularly as Holy Week approaches.

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