Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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849. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department gave advice to a person (details supplied) setting dates for the celebration of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24344/21]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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937. To ask the Minister for Health if the holding of sacramental community events such as Holy Communion and Confirmation will be permitted in June 2021; if so, the conditions that will be in place on holding them; if no decision has been made, when is it planned to make such a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24683/21]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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938. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to review the date by which First Holy Communion ceremonies can take place to alleviate stress and uncertainty for parents and children; if a practical solution can be put in place to bring the date forward as to when first Holy Communion ceremonies can resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24697/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 849, 937 and 938 together.

There has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread commitment and adherence by the public to the public health measures in place. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme.

In recognition of the improving situation, the Government announced a roadmap on the 29 April for the gradual lifting of some restrictions over the next two months, with a particular focus on allowing more outdoor activities. A range of measures will be eased in May, with a further easing of measures in June subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.

As part of these plans, in-person religious services can commence from 10th May, and the numbers attending funeral and wedding services can increase to 50. However, the public health advice remains that other religious ceremonies such as communions and confirmations should not take place at this time.

It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease a range of public health measures, this approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensuring the protection of the gains of recent months, the protection of those most vulnerable, and the protection of health and social care, education, and childcare services. NPHET advise that the current phased plan to reopening over the months of May and June can be considered low to medium risk. However, they also advise that a faster reopening involving a greater level of indoor mixing would be very high risk.

While a child’s First Communion or Confirmation is a very important milestone in their lives, the health and safety of the child, their family and the wider community is the main priority for Government. It is important to acknowledge the significant engagement and solidarity from the Catholic Church and other Faiths at all stages throughout this pandemic to ensure the protection of individuals and communities from COVID-19 and this engagement will continue to form an important element of our response in the months ahead.

Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to continue to avoid the virus spreading and to support the safe reopening of activities over the coming months.