Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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254. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the Covid-19 safety measures in relation to testing and monitoring which have to be abided by at trial live events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32906/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Following the recent Government decision to prepare for the safe reopening of live cultural, sporting and entertainment events, my Department has prepared a programme of pilot live events for June and July. This broad programme includes sporting, cultural and live entertainment events, both indoors and outdoors. These pilot events will allow for sports, arts, culture and entertainment organisations to test necessary control and other measures in venues across a range of settings and have been designed to inform the safe reopening of these sectors.

As part of the preparations for the events, my Department has worked and continues to work with representative bodies and stakeholders from the culture, sport and live event sectors on the programme of events. The events are being organised with venue operators and promoters who are submitting Event Management Plans to my Department which are reviewed by Health and Safety consultants.

My Department has also been monitoring pilot events internationally and is aware of the role that testing can play in supporting activities. I announced today that antigen testing will be deployed for the forthcoming concert event at IMMA on 3 July. 3,500 fans will be in attendance, 500 of those will be health care workers; and some of Ireland's best talent will be performing on stage - talent we have all greatly missed seeing live this past year. The measures being employed will be reviewed for their appropriateness as pilot events proceed and will be adjusted as necessary and if necessary.