A well known Catholic priest has said he will defy new covid19 restrictions that rule out any celebration of Communions and Confirmations this summer.

Asked at a press conference yesterday if parishes could proceed with the sacraments after July 5, the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar replied: “They’re off, unfortunately.”

Responding to his comment, Fr Michael Toomey, in the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, said: “I will not be following this ‘off the cuff’ statement by the Tánaiste.”

He added that he was still planning to celebrate two Confirmations in his parish next weekend.

Fr Toomey said he would also continue to celebrate baptisms and other sacraments if families want him to and in consultation with schools, “until such time as my bishop advises otherwise”.

Indicating the mounting frustration within Churches over the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, Fr Toomey said: “We in the Church and indeed all places of worship, have done everything asked for, and more.

“Yet, again, we are merely being brushed aside without any consultation and consideration for the sacraments and the lives of so many young people and families.”

He said that despite the Tánaiste’s declaration, there was no official guidance regarding postponing the sacraments as of Tuesday evening on government websites or information outlets.