The Government is expected to approve a plan to remove the vast majority of remaining Covid-19 restrictions over the autumn months, including restrictions on special sacramental occasions. In some parishes, they have already been taking place.

First Holy communion and Confirmation ceremonies can resume from 6 September under the plan being drawn up.

Religious ceremonies can proceed at 50 per cent venue capacity, regardless of immunity status of attendees.

All remaining restrictions on religious ceremonies are due to end on October 22nd, such as requirements for physical distancing; private indoor mask wearing; and limits on numbers attending indoor and outdoor events.

The measures being announced today will mark the most significant change to how the pandemic is managed since March of last year, shifting responsibility to people to use their own judgment and personal responsibility rather than the Government exhaustively regulating social interactions.