The Chief Medical Officer did not make any specific recommendation in relation to Communions and Confirmations [1] 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.