Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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256. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the consideration that has been given to allowing spectators to attend sporting events during 2021; the established targets for enabling spectators to attend such events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22982/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As announced last week, test events will be arranged later in the Summer to investigate how to allow for the safe return of spectators to events. In the meantime my Department will work with sporting and cultural bodies and make practical preparations for these test events.

In relation to sporting events, a Working Group was established to investigate how a safe return of some spectators could be facilitated. It comprised representatives of the FAI, GAA, and IRFU as well as stadium operations and event managers, officials from my Department and Sport Ireland. The Group reviewed international guidance, considered lessons from spectator events hosted elsewhere in Europe, and consulted independent health and safety experts. The Working Group prepared draft guidelines which will guide preparations for test events and beyond.

I am cautiously optimistic that once test events can be undertaken and lessons drawn from those that we can slowly grow spectator attendances. All of that will depend of course on the evolution of the epidemiological situation. Guidelines and plans for pilot events are in development. Further details will be announced in due course.