UPDATE: A government spokesperson has confirmed Confirmations, Communions and Baptisms are suspended.
There had been confusion after the Tanaiste said they were off but there was no official update on the Government’s website.
However, the government website has since been updated with the info.
A spokesperson says they are all postponed following NPHET advice over the Delta variant.
Guests at weddings however can increase to 50 from July 5th. Earlier today...
There’s confusion around the celebration of Communions and Confirmations this summer.
It’s after the Tánaiste said ‘they’re off’ when asked about them at a press conference.
Guests at weddings can increase to 50 after July 5th but there’s no official information about communions, confirmations or baptisms.
Fr Michael Toomey, who is based in Ardfinnan, Clonmel in the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore said he’s pressing ahead with Confirmations in his parish next weekend, as there is no "written directive" from Government
"There has been no communications from Government that I'm aware of to any of the Bishops or the priests and until such time as I get that confirmation through my own bishop I'm going to have to continue carrying on."
Brian Barron is the principal of Portlaw National School, he says they're awaiting word from the Diocese: "As far as we're aware in the school the decision from Government is that they're cancelled."
Mr Barron said they have no confirmation yet but are expecting it later today.
A meeting is taking place this afternoon between priests and the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonus Cullinan to make the decision.
"We'll follow whatever the guidelines are. It's not actually a school decision," Mr Barron said.
He said parents and students had worked hard throughout the year to stay safe and so the school would be looking to follow the same course when a decision was reached.
Portlaw-based councillor Declan Clune, who has two daughters who are set to make their Communion and Confirmation next week, said the Bishop needs to clarify the situation today.
"Everybody is just in limbo. I really feel that Bishop Fonzie could come out today and let people know what's happening," he added.
"Parents are very stressed, there's a lot of organisation gone into it. Just clarity and certainty is what's needed asap rather than leaving it drag on for another day."
