Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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110. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration has been given to relaxing the Covid-19 regulations as they apply to events (details supplied). [43672/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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On 27 November the Government agreed the approach for easing restrictions, including a phased move to Level 3 nationally, with a number of exceptions in place for the Christmas period. The exceptions for the Christmas period are designed to support people to have a meaningful Christmas, albeit different to other years. The main objective is to stay safe and keep the COVID-19 numbers down so that we can maintain the lowest possible level of restrictions into the New Year.

In line with the Plan for Living with COVID-19the Government has, in recent months, framed restrictions to account for periods where there is low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. Throughout this period the Government has made special provision for weddings in view of the importance of these occasions to couples and the level of planning that is involved for couples and their families.

In certain settings, such as weddings, higher noise levels due to music, can force people into close proximity, requiring them to raise their voices or shout to communicate thus increasing the risk of spreading virus to others. Such activity presents a higher risk of transmission of Covid-19. Accordingly the Government has decided that no live or loud music is permitted at weddings and this is reflected in Fáilte Ireland's current guidelines.

I understand the difficulties these restrictions pose for couples on their special day and the impact on musicians and bands. The public health measures put in place at any point in time is subject to ongoing review of the trajectory of the virus.

Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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111. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the ban on live music at weddings under new Fáilte Ireland guidelines for level 3; if her attention has been drawn to the further difficulties this is causing for those working as musicians and-or in bands; and if she has considered additional supports for businesses and self-employed persons in the music industry. [44004/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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On 27 November the Government agreed the approach for easing restrictions, including a phased move to Level 3 nationally, with a number of exceptions in place for the Christmas period. The exceptions for the Christmas period are designed to support people to have a meaningful Christmas, albeit different to other years. The main objective is to stay safe and keep the COVID-19 numbers down so that we can maintain the lowest possible level of restrictions into the New Year.

In line with the Plan for Living with COVID-19the Government has, in recent months, framed restrictions to account for periods where there is low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. Throughout this period the Government has made special provision for weddings in view of the importance of these occasions to couples and the level of planning that is involved for couples and their families.

In certain settings, such as weddings, higher noise levels due to music, can force people into close proximity, requiring them to raise their voices or shout to communicate thus increasing the risk of spreading virus to others. Such activity presents a higher risk of transmission of Covid-19. Accordingly, the Government decided that no live or loud music is permitted at weddings and this is reflected in Fáilte Ireland's current guidelines.

I understand the difficulties these restrictions pose for couples on their special day and the impact on musicians and bands. A range of measures was announced as part of Budget 2021 to support the arts and culture sectors and in particular the music and entertainment sectors. In Ireland, the Government provides primary support for the arts, including the music sector, through the Arts Council. Government funding to the Arts Council in 2021 will amount to €130m which is an increase of 62% over the amount initially allocated for 2020. Much of this funding is being allocated to the music sector, including to many who have never before received funding from the Council.

In addition to the significant increase in Arts Council funding, the Government has allocated €50 million specifically for live entertainment in 2021 and this will include measures for the commercial entertainment sector. Officials in my Department are engaged in a consultation process to allow stakeholders have an input into how this funding will be disbursed. The operation of the pilot Live Performance Support Scheme, which operated during the autumn and will shortly be completed, will provide insights for the allocation of the funding next year.

The response to and the demand for the Music Industry Stimulus Package and the pilot Live Performance Support Scheme, which was far in excess of what was anticipated, will also inform the Department in this regard.

There are a number of financial supports, training and guidance in place by Government to help business mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and work safely. Details of these can be accessed at the following link:

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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112. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the recent sport expert group amendment to the guidance under level 3 restrictions to allow golfers to participate in activities in their clubs even if they are located across a county border is extended to and includes target shooting clubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43628/20]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recognises the importance of a broader resumption of sport for both children and adults. In that context, my Department and Sport Ireland are engaging with the various sporting bodies to inform a review of the measures currently in place for sporting activity, which will be considered by Government early in the New Year.

In the current Level 3 restrictions, which will continue until 18 December, the Government are asking everyone to stay within their county apart from work, education, medical and other essential purposes, if appropriate. Travel for sports training or exercise is not considered an essential purpose so we would ask people not to travel outside their county to participate in golf, target shooting or other sporting activities at this time.

The Government fully acknowledges the benefits of sport and physical activity for people’s mental and physical wellbeing and has done its utmost to facilitate sport as much as it can within the confines imposed by the public health situation, which remains a serious and ongoing threat to people’s lives.