Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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901. To ask the Minister for Health the reason christenings and baptisms are not currently permitted under the public health emergency restrictions but weddings with potentially more persons attending are. [8717/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As you will be aware, Ireland is at level 5 of the Government's Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19. This 5-level framework sets out what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services, at that moment in time.

The various limits at all levels in the Government's Plan and the continuing imposition of public health measures is necessary to reduce transmission of COVID-19 through a reduction in the movement of people, congregation and interactions. This has unfortunately resulted in many significant events being delayed or postponed.

Christenings/baptisms are not permitted with the exception of emergencies. While a child’s christening is a very important milestone in their lives and the lives of their parents and Godparents, the health and safety of the child, their family and the wider community is the main priority for Government. When it is safe to do so, Churches will ensure that all christenings take place with key family members in attendance.

You may wish to note that comprehensive guidelines are in place to ensure that religious services can take place safely when they recommence:-

Further information on religious services can be found on gov.ie here:-