Archbishop says prevention of communions and confirmations is “irrational” and “discriminatory”

"There was even a big bash in the Merrion with 50 people at it with political leaders involved.”

The Archbishop of Dublin has said that the prevention of communions and confirmations by Government is "irrational" and "discriminatory", adding that he believes current rules "defy common sense". Archbishop Dermot Farrell said that while he has advised parishes in Dublin to postpone the events until Autumn, he would not get in the way of priests and families who decide to go ahead with current plans. The government has said communions and confirmations should not go ahead for now and instead should wait for the public health situation to improve. “There’s a number of parents and indeed parishes out there who’ve drawn the conclusion the current guidelines are discriminatory and perhaps irrational," he said. “I believe they are irrational. When I look around me… there’s a unique situation. [Sacraments] are prohibited from taking place - this seems to be because there’s a risk of consequential family gatherings. "There was even a big bash in the Merrion with 50 people at it with political leaders involved.” Archbishop Farrell added that families should be trusted to adhere to public health guidelines and avoid large gatherings after communions and confirmations, which are “inherently safe”. He added that the sacraments were “being abused in order to influence possible associated family behaviour". “It’s doing ultimately is impacting on the freedom of religion - we need to respect that we have a right to practice religion. People are having their rights trampled on or even ignored," he said.