Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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493. To ask the Minister for Health if he has considered allowing the restrictions on numbers attending weddings depending on the size of individual venues to be informed by a risk assessment for venues as restrictions begin to ease given the role of Fáilte Ireland in issuing guidance on weddings; and the advice for couples planning a wedding in summer 2021. [22712/21]

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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494. To ask the Minister for Health when clarity will be provided to the wedding industry on reopening and the number of persons allowed to attend weddings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22821/21]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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531. To ask the Minister for Health if he has considered allowing the restrictions on numbers attending weddings depending on the size of individual venues to be informed by a risk assessment for venues as restrictions begin to ease; and the advice for couples planning a wedding in summer 2021. [22710/21]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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532. To ask the Minister for Health if he has considered allowing the restrictions on numbers attending weddings depending on the size of individual venues to be informed by a public health risk assessment for venues as restrictions begin to ease; and the advice for couples planning a wedding in summer 2021. [22711/21]

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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545. To ask the Minister for Health when clarity will be provided to the wedding industry on a return date and the numbers allowed to attend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22750/21]

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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563. To ask the Minister for Health the respective risk factors being considered when evaluating the allowed numbers at masses and weddings. [22817/21]

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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567. To ask the Minister for Health the criteria that will need to be in place to allow weddings with more than six persons to proceed, that is, the R-nought number, case numbers, percentage of population vaccinated and so on; if guidance can be given regarding summer weddings; the Department that is responsible for the wedding industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22823/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 493, 494, 531, 532, 545, 563 and 567 together.

There has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread commitment and adherence by the public to the public health measures in place. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme.

In recognition of the improving situation, the Government announced a roadmap on the 29 April for the gradual lifting of some restrictions over the next two months, with a particular focus on allowing more outdoor activities. A range of measures will be eased in May, with a further easing of measures in June subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.

The announcement made last week include the following changes to the measures applying to weddings: as of May 10, there can be an increase in the number of guests attending wedding services to 50 which brings this figure in line with the numbers permitted at religious services.

This increase to 50 guests relates to the service (both religious or civil) only. The number of guests attending a wedding celebration or reception should remain at 6 guests for indoor gatherings and 15 guests for outdoor gatherings. From 7 June, subject to the epidemiological situation at the time, it is envisaged that the numbers of guests attending a wedding celebration or reception will increase to 25. The Government has indicated that a further range of activities, including numbers attending indoor and outdoor events, will be considered at the end of June. Information in relation to the Government announcement is available here:

In line with the roadmap announced by the Government to gradually lift restrictions, Fáilte Ireland are in the process of updating their operational guidelines and these guidelines will be available online:

It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease a range of public health measures, this approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensuring the protection of the gains of recent months, the protection of those most vulnerable, and the protection of health and social care, education, and childcare services.

Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to continue to avoid the virus spreading and to support the safe reopening of activities over the coming months.

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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495. To ask the Minister for Health the consideration being given to the reopening of churches for public masses; and if church leaders will be consulted with on these plans. [22930/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread commitment and adherence by the public to the public health measures in place. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme.

In recognition of the improving situation, the Government announced a roadmap on the 29 April for the gradual lifting of some restrictions over the next two months, with a particular focus on allowing more outdoor activities. A range of measures will be eased in May, with a further easing of measures in June subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.

The announcement made last week confirmed that from May 10 there can be a recommencement of in-person religious services. There has been significant engagement and solidarity from the Catholic Church and other Faiths at all stages throughout this pandemic to ensure the protection of individuals and communities from COVID-19. In February, the Taoiseach met with representatives of the Catholic Church to discuss the Covid-19 restrictions and the Church’s desire to return to worship. At that meeting the Taoiseach acknowledged the importance of the Church community in people’s lives at this time of stress and worry.

It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease a range of public health measures, this approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensuring the protection of the gains of recent months, the protection of those most vulnerable, and the protection of health and social care, education, and childcare services.

Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to continue to avoid the virus spreading and to support the safe reopening of activities over the coming months.