Public worship could return under “modified” level 3 restrictions in early December.

In an interview on RTÉ News at One on Friday An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “We will make decisions towards the end of the month, I did say that we may look at level 3 as to modifications to level 3 and that could apply to worship as well.”

He said that “Christmas has a strong spiritual theme to it and again we will work with all faiths and none in terms of their own particular requirements”.

“In the Christian tradition in particular – it’s an important number of weeks leading into Christmas and we acknowledge that and we appreciate also it’s good for many involved in Catholicism, in Church of Ireland, in different religions, it’s important for their mental health as well and this is something that is important to their lives and I understand that,” he added.

When asked about Christmas he said that “I think the churches will be open in the Christmas week”.