Rural TDs are calling on the government to reopen places of worship in time for Easter.
The Rural Independent Group will raise the issue in the Dáil later, claiming Ireland is an “outlier” when compared to other European countries.
Under Level 5 restrictions, places of worship are only open for private prayer and services are held online.
Last month, the Association of Catholic Priests said it would be premature to open churches for Easter.
However, Tipperary Independent TD Mattie McGrath says they should be allowed reopen to limited numbers.
“They just carte blanche closed them down – denied the people the right to worship.”
“People’s mental health is suffering now. We’re a year on and people who like to go to church – of any denomination – should be allowed to go and have peace and quietness and a nice time with their God and their beliefs.”
“Faith is a big issue for many people.”
