Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply. This is the third time I have raised the issue of dancing in the Chamber, and she is the first Minister to take on board what I and the dancing community have said. It is exciting to hear her give us this clarification today. It is a promise to rectify the anomaly and to treat equally children who dance and children who do sport.

The Minister's actions will give dancers back their rhythm. I am excited to welcome the formal guidance. I call on her to publish it as soon as possible to give dance practitioners clarity and direction on being allowed to train in pods of one 2 m apart. The Arts Council is well placed to work with Sport Ireland, which has published guidelines to allow sports to return. Allowing dancers to return to what they love doing will be amazing.

I ask that the guidelines be used to address music tuition. The Minister has outlined that they do. Her response will have a practical and positive impact on the lives of children across the country. It means that dancers and performing artists can practise together, albeit 2 m apart and once they arrive separately, wear face masks and stay safe. That is all they want. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire for meeting the passion of dancers with the compassion of the Government.

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