Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

604. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding reopening of park runs in a safe controlled setting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18120/21]

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

Under current Level 5 restrictions, no organised outdoor gatherings such as park runs should take place.

In the context of the Government’s COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021 – The Path Ahead, it has been agreed that the public health restrictions will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. Any easing of measures should be slow and gradual with sufficient time between phases to assess impact and to respond if the epidemiological situation was to deteriorate. It will take account of emerging international and national evidence and experience and with a specific focus on supporting mental health and wellbeing.

The question of the resumption of outdoor gatherings such as park runs, which would involve the mixing of people between many different households as opposed to the current permitted maximum number of two, will be further considered by Government in the context of the planned gradual easing of existing restrictive measures and will be informed by the prevailing public health advice and the epidemiological situation.