Aontú representative for Mayo, Paul Lawless, has called on the government to reopen Churches and places of worship when the current restrictions are lifted in a week's time.
Mr Lawless said: "I am calling on the government to reopen places of worship / churches. The government data shows that there have been very few outbreaks of Covid-19 associated with places of worship.
"Ireland is one of the only countries where public worship is banned - we've been an outlier for sometime now alongside North Korea and Saudia Arabia. When we revert back to level three restrictions next week then we should also reopen the churches, synagogues and mosques".
"Religion is important to all people of faith Christians, Muslims, Hindu’s etc. Here in Ballyhaunis we are all familiar with the wonderful Syrian community, and I know many are frustrated with the current ban on public worship.
"And I look forward to working with people of all faiths in petitioning the government on this topic. I'm from Knock myself, and I actually descended from five of the witnesses to the apparition here in 1879.
"My great great grand aunt was one of the most well known visionaries Mary Byrne who testified before the two commissions. I grew up with these stories, I do like to attend Mass on Sunday and I know how important religion is to many people - young and old. Given that the government data shows how few cases are associated with places of worship, I think the restrictions around this issue are disproportionate".
"We all know during the Summer months when churches were open for a short time, they were ahead of the game in terms of masks and social distancing, with stewards and ushers keeping the church a safe place. While we need to do everything possible to protect people's physical health we also need to balance mental and spiritual health into the equation. People are suffering, and many find comfort and solas in their faith and Sunday Mass"
