Roscommon Senator calls for return to public worship by Easter

The Fianna Fáil Senator for Roscommon-Galway, Eugene Murphy, has called on the Taoiseach to allow "some return to public worship" for the upcoming Easter celebrations.

Lent began on Wednesday last, and Easter Sunday this year falls on April 4.

Senator Murphy urged Micheál Martin to consider easing the restrictions, which are currently resulting in services taking place behind closed doors, by Easter week.

"This is the most important period in the Church calendar. People are finding life very stressful and difficult at the moment and I think people could gather safely in limited numbers for the important ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter," he said.

"I believe the Church handled things well at Christmas, with limited numbers at services, and they could do so again for Easter if given the opportunity."

Senator Murphy also said he would like to see the Taoiseach increase the numbers that can attend funeral Masses and weddings back up to 25. The number of people allowed to attend a funeral service is currently ten.

"People need some bit of positivity and hope. I have also asked An Taoiseach to consider allowing football training for junior years and younger age groups to resume as these school going children are missing their peers and friends and from a mental health perspective a return to football training would be of some help.

"We should also be looking for a return for other non-contact sports such as tennis or golf as it could really help from an anxiety and mental health perspective," he concluded.