Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

There are still a number of test events to take place, as outlined last month when we announced that events would take place in various indoor and outdoor venues. Today's announcement of antigen testing and reduced social distancing shows that progress is being made. The reason this was not the case with the Iveagh Gardens event was because it was the first pilot event. As the Deputy will know from his knowledge of this sector, it is not a question of switching it on overnight. These are venues that have not been in operation for over 15 months and are now working in the context of Covid-19.

The first event was really about the logistics of simple things like staggered entrance and egress and social distancing. We learned from that and we are moving to 1 m social distancing. Progress is being made. We will complete the pilot events as set out a few weeks ago in the Government announcement. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that in my engagement with the sector, I am determined for it to reopen. I will, of course, have to be guided by the public health guidance at that time.

We are making progress and will reopen as soon as possible.

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