No more than 10 people should attend funerals in Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the number of cases rises to almost 3,000 nationwide, the public is being advised that only immediate family should attend.
Discussing the measures at a press briefing this morning, Liz Canavan of the Department of the Taoiseach said: "The Government's critical services list issued on Saturday included funerals as one of those services.
"The Government wants to ensure that families are able to bury their loved ones in a respectful manner, while insuring that all involved - mourners, funeral directors, celebrants and all those involved in those services - are protected from Covid-19.
"The HSE has already provided guidance in this regard, further guidance is now being developed and will be published shortly.
"In the meantime I can confirm that immediate family members can still attend funeral services, burials and cremations, providing that social distancing rules are respected. This relates to all funerals, including those arising from Covid-19 deaths.
"While we know this is difficult, numbers attending should not exceed 10 persons in places of worship and at grave sides. This may be restricted further in smaller enclosed spaces.
"Individual churches may also put in place restrictions which respond to specific local service stances.
"We are continuing to liaise closely with all the stake holders around this issue, to ensure we protect the dignity of Irish funerals as we navigate this difficult period.
"We will review practises as necessary. We would encourage anyone affected by these issues to contact the range of bereavement and other support services available."
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