The bishops of the Tuam province have “expressed concern” that public worship may not be available “for months to come” under the Government’s five stage plan.

In a statement released Wednesday, the bishops encourage Catholics to obey the law, but says it does not mean “we cannot or should not speak out when we believe that something seems unfair or could be done better”.

In particular, they are concerned “that public worship is still excluded even at level 3. This would suggest that we may not have the opportunity to celebrate Mass together for months to come,” the statement reads.

“It ignores the important contribution of communal worship to the mental and spiritual well-being of people of faith. The fundamental importance of Holy Week and Easter for all Christians, makes the prohibition of public worship particularly painful.

Regarding funerals, they argue that “a modest increase to 25 would, without compromising safety, bring much consolation to grieving families”.