The Chief Medical Officer did not make any specific recommendation in relation to Communions and Confirmations to the Government.

Dr Tony Holohan made the revelation to Opposition TDs yesterday.

His comment follows Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s announcement at a press conference on Tuesday outlining the latest Covid measures that the ceremonies would not be going ahead because of a fear that there might be infection outbreaks at celebrations afterwards.

When asked if parishes could proceed with the sacraments after July 5, Mr Varadkar replied: “They’re off, unfortunately.”

One priest in Co Tipperary, Fr Michael Toomey, expressed unhappiness that this directive appeared to be a decision entirely of the Government and not based on Nphet’s advice.

Another priest, Fr Aquinas Duffy, told the Irish Independent: “If it turns out that Nphet and the CMO did not specifically advise the postponing of Communions and Confirmations, I would like to know why the Government is singling out these sacraments?

“The heartbreak this has caused so many families.”

A spokesperson for the Department of the Taoiseach told the Irish Independent the Government was also advising that baptisms be deferred.

Fr Duffy said one parish in Dublin already faced a backlog of 150 baptisms.