Taoiseach Micheal Martin’s aim for the end of the current lockdown would be a return to level three, which would still leave public worship banned [1], unless it is amended.
The opening up of mass and other religious services to the public is only allowed in levels 1 and 2 of the Covid-19 restrictions.
If level three continued throughout December, then there would be no public celebration of mass on Christmas day.
The Taoiseach has confirmed he would like to get back to Level 3 restrictions for December 1st. “That was a target,” he said.
Mr Martin did however say the Government was analysing the data and might look at certain sectors to see if they could “moderate” Level 3.
Meanwhile, at the At the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting [2], Cormac Devlin, the Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown TD, said that subject to public health advice, Level 2 “with tweaks” should be introduced, allowing people to travel home for Christmas, as well as indoor hospitality and religious services to be accommodated.
Cork North-Central TD Pádraig O’Sullivan also raised the issue of public worship.