Sir, – I was surprised to read the article "Gardaí set checkpoints near church as priest says Mass in breach of Covid rules" (News, March 28th). I assume the word "purportedly" was cut from the headline for reasons of space constraints. It is entirely unclear whether the current public health restrictions do in fact prohibit public religious worship.
A report from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Trinity Covid Observatory highlighted this discrepancy a month ago. The Department of Health has even issued a statement clarifying that “religious events” are not included within the definition of “relevant events” for the purposes of the current regulations.
The best interpretation of the prohibition on leaving one’s residence without a “reasonable excuse” is that attendance at religious events is not forbidden. Worst of all, however, is that only very recently did your newspaper report that the High Court, during ongoing litigation, has ordered the State to clarify whether religious events are in fact prohibited (“State asked to clarify basis for Covid-19 restrictions on attending Mass”, News, March 23rd).
Whether one thinks religious events should be prohibited is an entirely different matter. Indeed, given the age profile of most Catholic priests and regular Mass attendees in particular, there might be strong public health justification for restrictions. However, it is irresponsible for The Irish Times to report that this particular service took place “in breach” of restrictions when that is by no means settled. At the very least, one would expect a cross-reference to your other reporting which has highlighted contradictions and uncertainty in the regulations. The rule of law is already in danger from confusing Government messaging. It does not need further undermining in the media. – Yours, etc,
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ALAN EUSTACE,
School of Law,
Trinity College Dublin,
Dublin 2.
Sir, – When we can handle Easter eggs, unsupervised, in our supermarkets, but cannot celebrate Easter, with strict supervision, in our churches, we need no longer ask ourselves if our Government is merely inept. It has become clear that our Government is acting in bad faith. – Yours, etc,
Rev CHRIS HAYDEN,
Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.