Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is calling on the Welsh Government to consider prioritising Covid vaccinations for ministers of religion and celebrants given their role in the provision of pastoral care, spiritual care and funerals, .

Whilst acknowledging that the most vulnerable in society need to be the highest priority for receiving the vaccine, Darren believes that due to the crucial work carried out by clergy and celebrants, they should be among the key workers prioritised for vaccines.

He has therefore tabled a written question to the Welsh Government asking what consideration they have given to this.

Darren said:

“Ministers of religion and celebrants carry out vitally important work in the communities they serve but have been severely hampered as a result of the pandemic.

“They have been unable to visit sick people in hospital or parishioners in care homes for the great majority of 2020 and as a result many people have been unable to receive the comfort and spiritual support they have needed.

“They have also been unable to visit homes following bereavements to discuss funerals and provide support to those who have lost loved ones to Covid and other illnesses.

“Given the horrific situations people are facing due to the pandemic, their help has never been needed more and I therefore urge the Welsh Government to consider this as the vaccine rollout is ramped up across the country.”