Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1163. To ask the Minister for Health if dance schools can be recategorised as educational institutions for the purposes of Covid-19 restrictions to allow them to continue to operate during increased restrictions similar to the conditions under which sports teams can operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32482/20]

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

which was published by the Government, sets out 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.

The Plan reflects a careful consideration of the impact of the introduction of restrictions on employment and livelihoods, keeping as many businesses open as possible at different stages, while acknowledging that some businesses and services are critical. It acknowledges that sports, arts and other social activities are central to our well-being and that sports and arts are also the world of work for our many in our communities.

Dance classes are regarded as exercise and sporting events under Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19.

As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is now at level 5 of the Plan until 1 December, 2020. At level 5, no exercise or dance classes are permitted.

The Government's guidelines for exercise and sporting events at all levels of the Plan are available at: . Level 5 guidance from Sport Ireland is available at: .