David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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621. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if clarification will be given in relation to underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15 and when this will apply to persons over 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18699/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, has been engaging with the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) in relation to the changes to the public health restrictions and is providing guidance and clarification to NGBs where required.

Accordingly, if a specific clarification is required for a given sport, this should in the first instance be raised with the NGB concerned. If the NGB is unable to address the matter satisfactorily, they can consult further with Sport Ireland.

The position around the further reopening of sport, including the matter raised by the Deputy, will be considered further by the Government at the end of this month.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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622. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when outdoor dance classes will be allowed to resume for adults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18762/21]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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650. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if outdoor drama practice for children can recommence in line with the proposed reopening of outdoor training for under 18s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19828/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 622 and 650 together.

COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead, sets out information on the staggered start of easing of other areas of restriction with a focus on outdoor activities including sport. For guidance purposes dance has been included under sports under the different levels of the Plan.This easing is of course dependent on whether the transmission of the virus reaches acceptable levels, the vaccination programme progresses as planned and public health advice allows. Further details of the plan can be accessed at this link:

This Framework sets out the approach to each phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation. All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time. The Framework sets out when it is considered that organised indoor or outdoor events can take place and at present, no organised indoor or outdoor gatherings should take place.

Subject to the prevailing disease situation, from 26 April, underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15 or fewer, which includes dance, can resume with protocols. In these cases robust protocols and protective measures, including appropriate supervision and capacity limits, should be in place.