Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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87. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider allowing self-catering hospitality venues to open their doors to in-county guests only in order to allow them to compete with service providers such as a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22001/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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With regard to the reopening of different sectors of the economy, in line with the plan set out in The Path Ahead and after taking full account of the current status of COVID-19 in the community and the public health advice, the Government has been implementing a limited phased easing of some Level 5 restrictions through the month of April.  The Government is due to make further decisions and announcements very shortly regarding the position to apply for May and beyond, with a view to facilitating the safe reopening of more services as the public health situation permits.  These decisions are made by Cabinet, on foot of advice from NPHET and the Minister for Health, and this cautious approach is due to continue until a substantial level of vaccination has been achieved, at which point we hope to move to reopen our society more widely.

With specific regard to tourist accommodation – and noting that company to which the Deputy refers is an online sales platform for a variety of accommodation – I can confirm that the provision of any type of non-essential/holiday accommodation services is prohibited under the current Level 5 restrictions, regardless of the point of origin of potential guests.  Accommodation may only be provided to those travelling for permitted essential reasons, as specified in the relevant regulations.