Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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289. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied) in relation to outdoor cinemas. [29195/21]

Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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305. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will investigate the case of drive in movies (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29709/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 305 together.

I am pleased to advise that the Government has announced that cinemas, including drive-in cinemas can reopen from 7 June 2021.

Until then, Drive-in cinemas remain closed under the regulations currently in place under Section 31A of the Health Act 1947. 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 has been keeping 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 .  

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 conscious of the impact of any and all restrictions across every sector and fully aware of the challenges individuals and businesses continue to face. 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.

I am pleased that Government was in a position to revisit the position in relation to cinemas, drive-in cinemas and theatres when it met on Friday 28 May and I look forward to the re-opening of these important cultural facilities from 7 June.