Charity chief criticises spending culture at religious ceremonies

THE head of St Vincent de Paul in Cork has hit out at the Communion and Confirmation spending culture at the centre of the hardship state support row, urging people to remember the sacraments themselves “cost nothing”.

Despite criticising Government plans to cut in half payments for families taking part in the religious events and those in other belief systems, Brendan Dempsey said the level of spending itself is the bigger problem.

Mr Dempsey, who admitted he is “unlikely to be popular” for making the comment, said add-on costs associated with the events are encouraging already struggling families to spend beyond their means.