State given two weeks to clarify law about Mass

The Irish state has been given two weeks to clarify whether, in fact, there is a law against Masses being said in public.

The instruction was made on Tuesday March 23 by Judge Charles Meenan, as part of the constitutional case being taken by businessman Declan Ganley, according to Gript.ie.

Mr Ganley’s lawyers used a procedural hearing Tuesday to raise the question as to whether the ban on Masses – which Mr Ganley argues would be unconstitutional – actually exists in law.

They cited a recent report by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, made up of senior constitutional law experts, which states that there is, in fact, no ban on the holding of public masses.

Lawyers for the state told the court that they would have to consult with their client before being able to state clearly, on the record of the court, whether such a ban exists.

Mr Justice Meenan instructed Mr Ganley’s lawyers to formally ask the state for their position, and gave the state two weeks to respond.

The matter is due to be heard again on April 13.

The instruction comes days after a Cavan priest was fined €500 for holding a Mass in public.