Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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943. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for his and NPHET's reasoning behind the decision to allow dining in hotels for hotel guests but not to allow indoor dining in restaurants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24710/21]

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.

It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease public health measures, the 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.

As part of the plans announced by Government, a phased reopening of the hospitality sector is envisaged. From 2 June, accommodation services can reopen and from 7 June outdoor services in restaurants and bars can resume. The resumption of indoor hospitality more broadly will be considered at the end of June. As set out above, there is still a high level of infection nationally, therefore this phased approach is recommended to ensure that reopening is sustainable.

It is important to note that indoor restaurant and bar services within hotels and other accommodation facilities must be restricted to overnight guests/residents only. This is currently the case for those staying in these facilities for essential purposes and is also in line with previous practice for these facilities during periods of Level 3 restrictions.

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.

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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944. To ask the Minister for Health the reason hotel quarantine facilities in County Cork have not been activated for visitors arriving into Cork Airport requiring them to travel to Dublin to quarantine there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24714/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Mandatory Hotel Quarantine System operates a number of designated facilities in the Dublin area in order to meet the current flow of arrivals into Ireland, the majority of which are currently arriving through Dublin airport.

There are regular assessments of the numbers arriving at other points of entry, including Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Rosslare Europort and the Port of Cork, to ensure that the system has the capacity to meet demand for rooms in designated facilities. At present, arrivals in non-Dublin points of entry are low enough to cater for using a direct transfer service to Dublin.

If there is a increase of arrivals at any of the non-Dublin points of entry, consideration will be given to designating a facility in a closer geographical location.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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945. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consultation or preparatory work he has undertaken to prepare for the possible holding of the National Ploughing Championships under continued public health restrictions. [23867/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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A decision regarding the hosting of major public events in the context of the current public health measures has not yet been made.

The National Ploughing Association runs the National Ploughing Championships and any decisions in relation to the 2021 event will be taken by that organisation, based on public health advice. My Department has provided a functioning office, offering services to our customers at the Ploughing Championships for many years.

Similar to other years, if this year's Championships do go ahead, the Department will observe all prevailing public health guidance necessary to keep our customers and staff safe.