More Catholic bishops have given the go-ahead for First Holy Communions and Confirmations to take place later this month.

Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe said parishes in his diocese could proceed with these sacraments from mid-August, as also did the diocese of Ferns.

Previously, the Catholic Archbishops of Dublin, Armagh, and Tuam, announced that the sacraments could take place in their diocese locally as also did the Bishops of Clogher, Meath, Elphin, Raphoe, and Waterford and Lismore.

In a statement to Tipp FM, Bishop Monahan said that the fears surrounding Communion and Confirmation after-parties were “overplayed”.

He said he understood the State’s point of view but he thought the sacraments had been “singled out” for restrictions.

Separately, Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin has declined to follow suit, and instead has asked parishes is his diocese to abide by current official guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Irish Times is reporting that the Cabinet’s Covid sub-committee has recommended a resumption of First Communions and Confirmations from next month.