Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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1407. To ask the Minister for Health if he will the review the advice on spectators attending sporting events with a view to revising the permitted number upwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22698/20]

Stephen 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.

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations provide that a person shall not organise a sporting event unless they take all reasonable steps to ensure that the event is attended only by necessary persons. This includes competitors, coaches and parents or guardian of competitors aged under 18. Sporting events can therefore continue to take place but only behind closed doors. These Regulations remain in place until 14th September 2020.

The measures in place including those around spectators not attending sporting events 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.

It’s really important to remember now, as things open up further, that personal responsibility and judgement are more important than ever. Continuing to adhere to public health advice will determine whether we continue to move forward to the remaining phases.

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