The Taoiseach has announced an accelerated schedule for easing lockdown restrictions which paves the way for a return of public masses by June 29^th.

From Monday 8 June when what Leo Varadkar called “Phase 2 plus” commences, up to 25 immediate family and close friends may attend funeral services.

People can attend services at places of worship from the beginning of Phase 3, on June 29^th, with physical distancing measures in place. Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, has welcomed the announcement and said “this will be a consolation to many people and preparations will be intensified to ensure this can be done safely.”

Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin also welcomed the announcement which opens the way for a return to public Mass and the sacraments soon. He said at a meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference next week, “we will finalise our framework and advice for parishes”.

He had announced last week that the bishops’ had been working on a National Framework Document on reopening churches that would include a helpful checklist for parish priests and Covid19 Parish Support Teams on physical distancing and hygiene. “This will help you evaluate progress made to date and guide any necessary improvements in practice within your parish,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Belgian authorities announced that religious services may resume there from next Monday, June 8th. They are the last country on the continent to announce a return of church services. Up to 100 people will be allowed attend, and strict social distancing of 1.5m plus other precautionary measures must be employed. On July 1^st, the numbers allowed congregate will increase to 200 people.