There is “absolutely no way” Confirmations or First Holy Communions will take place in Dublin in May and June, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has said.

“We can only begin to speak of a time frame for these sacraments when schools have been fully reopened and when it is possible once again to hold large indoor gatherings of people, especially children. This will not be the case for some months ahead,” he said.

Archbishop Martin said he was “pleased” to see that the bereaved were being offered funeral services in churches within the confines of the current pandemic restrictions.

“In many cases the funeral Mass is also being live streamed so that a wider range of relatives and friends can join, even in different parts of the world,” he said.

“Where possible people might line the streets, respecting social distancing, or stand at the doors of their houses as a local funeral passes by. This can be a much-appreciated tribute to the deceased and a comfort to the bereaved.”

Archbishop Martin and other bishops had recently been in touch with the Irish Association of Funeral Directors to remind its members that church services remain an option for the funerals of those who have died from Covid-19.