The Minister for Health has not offered direct evidence to justify the closing of churches for mass and other religious services.

Independent TD, Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the specific evidentiary basis for the restrictions on public worship, and if he would reconsider permitting physical attendance at religious services.

Steven Donnelly replied that the number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the Government Framework are “based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts”. However, he gave no detail as to what the international practice was regarding churches, or the elements weighed up by the public health experts. Most countries in Europe still permit public worship despite increased restrictions.