Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On 1 June, the first day of the meteorological summer, we need to be positive today. I welcome the announcement by the Minister of State, Deputy Jack Chambers, in recent days in relation to crowds return to sporting events. As we are all aware, one of the main joys of summer time for hundreds of thousands of people is attending inter-county championship matches, which they have not been able to do for two years.

By the end of June, in excess of 80% of the population will have been vaccinated at least once and 60% of the population will be fully vaccinated. In late July and early August, the Galway Races, which are critical to Galway, the city that I represent, will take place. I highlight the economic impact the event has on the city. Many Galway businesses survive as a result of the arts festival and the Galway Races. The rolling out of pilot events is very welcome. We are learning from the UK, which has been doing that for the past number of weeks. We must ensure we learn from the pilot events what is needed to significantly ramp up the attendance at events. By the first week of August, when the Galway Races take place, between 5,000 and 10,000 people, at a minimum, should be allowed to attend the races. I will make a representation to the Minister on this matter and I ask the Leader to write to the Minister of State, Deputy Jack Chambers.