Dublin's Catholic Archbishop has given the go-ahead to priests in his archdiocese to proceed with communions and confirmations despite public health restrictions, saying "we have to trust parents."
In a letter sent to just under 200 parishes in the archdiocese Dr Dermot Farrell permitted his priests to give sacraments "if you consider it safe".
The Archbishop said that "is simply not credible" that public health advice says these ceremonies should not go ahead while other gatherings in bars and sports venues are allowed.
Speaking on RTE's News at One on Wednesday, Dr Farrell said: ""I'm looking at some everyday gatherings in bars, restaurants around the country, Croke Park at the weekend, concerts; I heard discussed last night 70,000 people attending Electric Picnic. Weddings, anniversaries birthday parties.
"That a parent cannot take their child along to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, that is simply not credible."
The Archbishop also compared the ban on communions and confirmations to the controversial event hosted by Katherine Zappone in the Merrion Hotel which was attended by many Government officials.
Dr Farrell said: "Its okay to have a bash in the Merrion Hotel with 50 people present. But it's not possible for parents to take their child in to receive the sacrament. That is difficult for me and for priests and for parents."
On the programme the Archbishop said it is his preference for the sacraments not to go ahead until Autumn, but is allowing the priests in his diocese to make their own decisions.
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