David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

147. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a club (details supplied) can hold events as of 7 June 2021 in line with the recommencement on sporting events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28796/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

From June 7th the resumption of outdoor competition is permitted. Such activity will take place under strict protocols and without spectators. The capacities in individual and non-team focused sports will reflect the nature of the particular sport, the size and scale of proposed venues and the standard operating procedures of the National Governing Bodies (NGBs), in this case Motorsport Ireland.

In the initial stages sports are encouraged to focus on the minimum number of participants required to stage a meaningful event safely. Additional thought will also be required by NGBs if organising events that take place (fully or partially) on public grounds or roads. When planning events NGBs should also seek to engage with other relevant stakeholders such as the Health & Rescue Services, Gardaí and the Local Authorities.

To assist in planning during the initial return, a set of Guiding Principles have been developed in consultation with the Return to Sport Expert Group. These have been distributed to the relevant NGBs. While Sport Ireland and the Return to Sport Expert Group remains available to provide feedback on the COVID-19 elements of competition protocols it is important to note that NGBs and their affiliates will have responsibility for the organisation, sanctioning and monitoring of the events within their own sports. Neither my Department, Sport Ireland nor the Return to Sport Expert Group will play a role in sanctioning these events.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

148. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason an outdoor cinema company (details supplied) was forced to shut down; if outdoor drive-in cinemas are allowed operate under current Covid-19 guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28856/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Drive-in cinemas are not allowed to operate under the current regulations under Section 31A of the Health Act 1947 which set out the public health restrictions in place at present.

Subject to the prevailing public health situation, the Government has been delivering a phased easing of public health restrictions over the period since April this year. The Government continues to keep the situation under review with a view to continuing to reopen sectors, services and activities as the public health situation allows. The public health advice prepared by the National Public Health Emergency Team is considered as part of the Government’s decision-making process. Once the Government has taken its decision, the Minister for Health prepares regulations under the Section 31A of the Health Act 1947 .

The Government is cognisant of the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has and continues to have. The intention is to make steady progress with the reopening of society and the economy while avoiding a further wave of disease and re-imposition of restrictions.

As has been the case at each stage of the easing of restrictions, the set of measures introduced is intended to incrementally re-open the country while minimising the risks of transmission in alignment with risk levels. The Government is cognizant of the impact of any and all restrictions across every sector and fully aware of the challenges individuals and businesses continue to face.

As we progress with the Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead plan, work is continuing on a number of other issues in preparation for the coming months. Further re-openings will be considered, in the context of the public health situation, and decided on by Government shortly.