Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

76. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider opening up golf courses as a vital component to mental health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4627/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The gravity of the current epidemiological situation is such that it does not permit Government consideration at this time of the reopening of golf courses. The Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations. Sporting activity, including the playing of golf, is not considered essential in this context.

The Government to keen to facilitate the maximum possible level of sporting activity at the earliest possible date once the public health circumstances have improved to the extent required. In preparation for the resumption of sporting activity when it is safe to do so, my Department and Sport Ireland continues to engage 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. I can assure the Deputy that the Government wishes to ensure that sport can continue to play the maximum possible role in sustaining people’s physical and mental wellbeing and consequently their general morale.

In December 2020 , I wrote to all National Governing Bodies of sport seeking submissions on what key modifications, in particular to Level 3 of the Government Framework, can be safely introduced to bring the most benefit to sport. Additional correspondence and templates to gather information was also provided by Sport Ireland. The sector has welcomed this engagement and to date a total of 42 submissions have been received from sporting bodies. Review and analysis of these submissions is currently underway.