Calls for the number of people allowed to attend funerals to be raised

Under the current Level 5 restrictions, only 10 people are able to attend a funeral, and Mass services must be held online.

There are calls for the limits on the number of people allowed to attend a funeral to be raised.

David McGowan, a funeral director in Ballina in Co Mayo, believes the limit on the number of people who can attend a funeral should be raised to 35.

He says upping funeral limits to 35 would account for extended family members of the deceased in most cases.

Mr McGowan said: "This is not talking about a building site, this is something that happens us all.

"This is one of the most heartbreaking experiences any human being will experience in their lifetime, the loss of a loved one.

"This has to take precedent over everything else out there because this is all about protecting the family and letting them grieve."

Under the current Level 5 restrictions, only 10 people are able to attend a funeral, and Mass services must be held online.

Mr McGowan added: "You can cancel a wedding, you can cancel a confirmation, you can cancel all of those things, but you can't cancel death. It's the one thing you can't cancel."

Earlier, Irish archbishops called on the Government to immediately lift the current cap on funerals.

Four bishops met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday, where they called for the return to normal services including the reopening of Mass.

Restoring mass services is currently only allowed from Level 2 restrictions and Catholic leaders say that the funeral limit should be increased to 25.

They are asking for the restrictions to reflect those of Northern Ireland where 25 people are allowed to attend a funeral but no gatherings permitted before or after the event.

In a statement, the bishops said: “The current restriction places immense burdens on grieving families, compounding the pain of their loss.” 

“Consideration must also be given to people’s mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. For people of faith, gathering for worship is fundamental to their identity and to their spiritual lives,” they added.

Bishop of Achonry, Paul Dempsey, says the current limit is causing anguish for families. Picture: John McElroy

Bishop of Achonry, Paul Dempsey, says the current limit is causing anguish for families.

Bishop Dempsey told Newstalk: "We're obviously going through a very difficult time at the moment with Covid-19, but to have a bereavement on top of that is just huge for a family.

"We believe that just allowing 10 people at a funeral is just compounding that grief and that loss.

"Surely to goodness, it's just fair and just to maybe allow at least 25 people within a large church building to be able to attend a funeral."

The bishops are urging Catholics to contact their local representatives to make their views on these issues known, and have also noted they “wish to remain responsive to public health messaging” so, therefore, recommend postponement of First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies for the time being.

Aontú party leader, Peader Tóibín, said: "Many of the government’s restrictions are not making sense. Picture: Collins

Meanwhile, Aontú party leader, Peader Tóibín, has called for an ease of funeral restrictions which the TD says are "cruel, especially for families who consist of more than ten siblings".

Mr Tóibín said: "Many of the government’s restrictions are not making sense.

"Churches are typically the biggest buildings in each town yet there is a cruel 10 people limit at funerals.

"While at the same time people can stand in a queue for wine and crisps in their local shop."

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