Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving us the opportunity to speak on this Topical Issue matter. Next week is one of great importance in the church calendar as it is Holy Week with its associated celebrations. It is upsetting for people to think they cannot go into their churches in a very careful manner. When they were allowed to open, the churches were safe. Large number of volunteers and members of the clergy made serious efforts to ensure people could attend in safe numbers. I guarantee that nobody contracted Covid-19 inside a church. A funny thing about this country is that schools are allowed to open but churches are not. I got a picture last week showing an aeroplane full of people arriving in Ireland and an image of an empty church alongside it.

Only ten people are allowed to attend a funeral. This is totally wrong. We know we are in a pandemic. This is a very difficult time for people, particularly when people pass away. We are one of three countries in the world that has kept church doors closed. It is a shameful act and it is time for the Government to step back and not to be so anti-church at this time. Easter week is a time for people to celebrate with the Lord. I would appreciate if the Government took our concerns and those of the people into account here.

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