Irish priest says his fellow clergy should get state virus payments

A parish priest in Cill Chartha. southwest Donegal, has said priests should be entitled to the Irish state COVID-19 payment of €350, particularly younger priests who wouldn’t have much money.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Apr 2020, 13:00 BST

Updated 17th Apr 2020, 13:18 BST

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Fr Éamonn Ó Gallachóir, made the comments in an interview with Aodh Máirtín Ó Fearraigh on Friday on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

He said priests should be eligible for the €350 state payment, as the parishes now have no income to pay them. Priests are not currently eligible for the payment.

“Young priests are suffering the most, for the likes of me, I get a pension, so I’m fine from that point of view.

“But younger priests that now have no regular income, this must be very difficult for them,” he said.

Donegal