Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yet again, I thank the Deputies for raising this matter this evening. I do not want to stand here and not show empathy or understanding to what the Deputies have raised. I understand absolutely about the Internet. This is what some people in my constituency also experience. In all fairness, the Deputies' points are very well made. It is not that we are turning our back on the church. What has happened is that we have decided to put public health first. This is the most Christian thing we could possibly do. This is what the Government has done. It has put public health first for the betterment of everybody. There is dialogue and the Taoiseach has met the heads of the church and I hope this conversation continues with regard to when we come out of level 5. The Deputies are right that the churches conducted themselves in a really responsible way. This is important and it needs to be acknowledged. They had plenty of support and ushers to ensure distance was kept and to ensure people could be protected as best they could. Unfortunately, we have found ourselves where we are. The Deputies have put forward their case and I will bring it to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly. At this moment in time, the Government has put public health for the entire community throughout the island first.

See this speech in context