Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Mullen for being so diplomatic in his response to my reply. The Government recognises the immense sacrifices that are being made by the country in this difficult time. As I mentioned, there has been significant engagement and solidarity from the Catholic Church and other faith communities at all stages through the pandemic to ensure the protection of individuals and communities from Covid-19. I agree with the Senator. As a politician and Minister of State and as a citizen, I believe the churches have done extremely well. They have gone out of their way to put all the necessary protections in place. I have highlighted to the Government that this should be taken on board. I hope that when we go down to level 3, it will be a modified level 3, as the Senator said. I look forward to a time when people who are responsible, and the churches and faith leaders are responsible with their congregations, will get the answer we all want.