Priests' group calls for sacraments to be held outside of school time

A priest in Co Laois says it also offers the child an opportunity to decide against making their communion or confirmation without being the odd one out in class.

A group representing more than 1,000 priests has called for communion and confirmation preparatory classes to be moved out of school hours.

The Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) claims the current situation sees many children making their communion or confirmation without attending Mass at other times.