Written answers

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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978. To ask the Minister for Health if the matter of allowing hotels to operate wedding functions later than 11:30 p.m. will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22162/20]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, following a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 18 August, 2020 the Government decided to implement a number of enhanced public health measures in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

These measures were introduced in response to an increase in the number of cases in recent weeks, with multiple outbreaks across workplaces, households, and in sports clubs. Internationally we have also seen a significant acceleration in the spread of COVID-19.

The measures introduced were required to protect the vulnerable in our communities, enable schools to reopen and support the resumption of health services.

As part of the measures announced, limits on mass gatherings were reintroduced. However, weddings are exempt from these limits and can be held with up to 50 people in attendance including staff working at the venue. The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 326 of 2020) provides the legal basis for this exemption. The Regulations also provide that a closing time of 11.30pm will apply to businesses selling intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises. These Regulations remain in place until 14th September.

The measures in place around weddings and other gatherings and the public health advice is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the decisions necessary to protect everybody living in Ireland from its effects is constantly evolving.

It is not possible to say what circumstances will apply in the future due to the nature of the virus that has caused this global pandemic and the concerns that remain about the very serious threats to health that can be caused by this virus.

The latest public health advice on these matters is available at the following links and is updated on a regular basis:

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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980. To ask the Minister for Health the reason Irish dancing lessons and similar cultural pursuits for young persons are restricted to five students maximum regardless of venue in view of the fact 50 persons can congregate in gyms and school classrooms of more than 30 students face no such restrictions; the action she plans to take to ensure the survival and success of Irish dancing through the Covid-19 pandemic. [22283/20]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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1337. To ask the Minister for Health the regulation for holding an Irish dance lesson; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22179/20]

Photo of Emer HigginsEmer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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1387. To ask the Minister for Health if organised sports training within indoor facilities can do so in multiple pods of six; if there is a limit of six on the total number of attendees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22517/20]

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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1390. To ask the Minister for Health if dance classes and performing arts activities can take place in community centres in cases in which children can operate in classes in pods of six or more in circumstances in which they are socially distanced and the pods are at least three meters apart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22545/20]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 980, 1337, 1387 and 1390 together.

You will be aware that the situation regarding COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, an evolving situation. COVID-19 is still having a major impact both here in Ireland and elsewhere. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.

Progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.

The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and it provides advice to Government in line with the current epidemiological position. The latest public health advice on these matters is available at the links below and is updated on a regular basis:

The recently introduced regulations [(S.I. 326 of 2020) Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020], which state that events being organised indoors may have no more than 6 attendees apply to social, recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment and community events. Additional guidance has been provided in relation to activities such as exercise, sports training, dance and drama classes. These activities should be limited to 6 people and observe physical distancing rules. Multiple pods of up to 6 people in each may operate if sufficient space is available and strict public health protocols are in place. There should be no mixing between groups. Sport Ireland guidance also applies here:

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