Written answers

Thursday, 13 May 2021

Photo of Louise O'ReillyLouise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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417. To ask the Minister for Health if there will be any changes to the rules not allowing music or dancing at weddings as the economy reopens and as more persons are vaccinated. [25267/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen 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 recent announcement included 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.

Under current guidelines, live music and dancing is not currently permitted at weddings. Further detail of guidelines for weddings can be found here:

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.

Photo of Louise O'ReillyLouise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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418. To ask the Minister for Health when it is planned to have spectators at outdoor amateur sporting events. [25270/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen 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. Further detail is available on Gov.ie:

NPHET advise that this phased plan for the months of May and June can be considered low to medium risk. However, they also advise that a faster reopening, in particular involving a greater level of indoor mixing, over these months would be very high risk.

As outlined in the recent Government announcement outdoor sports matches can recommence without spectators. A number of higher-risk activities including outdoor mass gatherings and events (such as spectators at sporting events) are not part of the reopening plans for May and June, but they will be subject to further consideration towards the end of June with a view to recommencing more activities as we move through the summer.

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.

Photo of Louise O'ReillyLouise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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419. To ask the Minister for Health if patients (details supplied) will be provided with bespoke arrangements for their Covid-19 vaccine. [25272/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

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