Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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286. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if all Olympic athletes are considered elite for training purposes under public health restrictions. [44888/20]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I would refer the Deputy to Sport Ireland's website, which contains information on the applicable classification of professional and elite sport. I can confirm that the classification includes the following categories:

- A Member of a high performance team funded by Sport Ireland; and

- Those who compete at major international events including European and World Championships and Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Specifically, the following athletes and players are included: 

- Athletes on the 2020 International Carding Scheme

- Players on the 2020 Team Ireland Golf Scheme

- Senior riders in Show-Jumping, Eventing & Dressage

- Senior team players in Hockey, Cricket, and Rugby Sevens.

The public health regulation provides for both training and competition events for elite athletes.

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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287. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her response to the views of a sports club (details replied) with regard to the recent announcements and restrictions concerning Ireland entering level 3; if a level playing field will be committed to for sports of a similar nature; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44901/20]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that question relates to the restrictions under Level 3 which no longer apply.  The gravity of the current epidemiological situation is such that the Government's clear message is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations.

The current restrictions are clear that matches and competitive sporting events are not permitted except for professional and elite sportspeople. This is in recognition of the need to limit insofar as possible person-to-person contact to prevent transmission of COVID-19. The protocols applied for elite sports training and competition are aligned with international best practice and have been developed in consultation with the Expert Group on the Return to Sport.

My Department and Sport Ireland are also engaging with the various sporting bodies to inform a review of the broader COVID-19 measures for sporting activity, which will be considered by Government at the appropriate time. The issue of safely resuming competitions and leagues will form part of the review.