Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

198. To ask the Minister for Health if, in consultation with NPHET, consideration will be given to a proposal from a federation (details supplied) [24583/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is no doubt aware on Tuesday 15 September, 2020 the Government published it's medium term plan 'Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021 - Plan for Living with COVID-19'which frames Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.

The plan sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission, and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It aims to allow society and businesses to be able to operate as normally as possible, while continuing to suppress the virus.

Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services. Any measure included at any level in this plan is underpinned by expert advice and recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

Ireland is currently at Level 2 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 and it is intended that the public health measures at this level will be effective until 5 October, 2020. Arising from concerns over the incidence of COVID-19 in Dublin, and following the recommendation of the NPHET, the Government has agreed that additional measures will apply in the county. However, I would urge the Deputy and the federation to now review the current public health advice and information on the Plan for Living with COVID-19, available at the following link: . I believe that the detail set out in the new plan goes some way to meeting the needs of the sector.