Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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208. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the guidelines and measures in place for the operation of an indoor Santa meet and greet under the level 3 Covid restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44211/20]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Government’s overriding objective during COVID-19 is to ensure the public’s health and safety. The guidelines in relation to retail settings are in place to prevent large indoor gatherings of people while ensuring that as many shops as possible can open. This is to prevent the spread of the virus and protect lives.

Seasonal experiences and initiatives that lead to additional congregation are only permitted outdoors. This is set out in Section 17 of the Failte Ireland’s Guidelines for Re-opening Visitor Attractionswhich states that ‘...in line with Government Public Health Advice, seasonal experiences should take place outdoors.’

This guidance can be viewed at

The guidelines also add that ‘Management must aim to follow the Government’s Public Health advice throughout Seasonal Visitor Experience areas such as Santa Experiences, Christmas markets etc.’

It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.