Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein)
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295. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a stadium (details supplied) is considered an enclosed stadium under the current Covid-19 restrictions; if spectators are currently allowed watch sports taking place in this facility; if not, when they will be allowed; and the number to be allowed. [29358/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Minister Martin and I announced on Friday 28 May that we will begin to trial the safe return of spectators to sporting events in June and July. Cultural events will also be trialled. The announcement follows a decision by Government to allow for the further easing of restrictions in line with public health guidance. In total, 15 sporting events across Gaelic games, rugby, football, golf and athletics have been targeted for the period from 11 June to 10 July.

These pilot events will allow for sports organisations to test necessary control and other measures in stadia across a range of areas.

The trial events are spread across five different sports and in venues located around the country and include the national athletics championships at the Morton Stadium in Santry.

The intention is that the pilots will pave the way more matches, games and other sporting events to be attended by spectators further into July and August with capacity increasing throughout the summer.

Details on the 15 initial trial events can be found at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/press-release/dcd5c-series-of-outdoor-pilot-sport-events-announced-to-allow-for-the-safe-return-of-spectators/

In addition to the trial events, the Government also announced on 28 May that from 7 June numbers permitted at organised outdoor events can increase to a maximum of 100 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 200 for outdoor stadia/venues where there is a minimum capacity of 5,000.