Courts / Galway / Report
Level 5 restrictions breach Constitutional right to practise religion, Ganley tells High Court
Summary
Businessman Declan Ganley has filed a High Court judicial review against the State's Level 5 Covid‑19 restrictions, arguing they breach his constitutional right to practise religion. Ganley, a practising Roman Catholic from Galway, claims the restrictions prevent him from leaving his home to attend Mass, a right protected under Article 44 of the Irish Constitution. He seeks orders to quash Regulation 5(1) and (3) of the 1947 Health Act and declarations that the regulations are incompatible with constitutional provisions or that they do not bar him from religious worship. The case was adjourned to 8 December for reassessment, with the judge noting the State is presumed to oppose the challenge but may choose otherwise. Ganley's lawyers emphasize the urgency, citing the possibility of future re‑imposition of similar restrictions. The matter remains pending, with no decision yet on the merits of the challenge.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Level 5 restrictions breach Constitutional right to practise religion, Ganley tells High Court. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- December 1st Other
- December 8th Adjournment
- 2020-11-06 Publication
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
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