Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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298. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to scale up and increase attendances at outdoor sports and cultural events following the recent successful pilot live events: when an updated plan will be published for July, August and September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37201/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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From 5 July the numbers permitted at outdoor organised events have increased to a maximum of 200 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 500 for outdoor stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000.  As part of the Government's phase plan for reopening our economy and society, we will again consider COVID-19 restrictions before the 19th of July.

COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, which spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another.  In certain settings, such as live performances and sporting events, higher noise levels, can force people into close proximity or require them to raise their voices or shout to communicate thus increasing the risk of spreading virus to others.  Such activities present a higher risk of transmission of COVID-19.    

As such, our approach to easing restrictions must continue to be cautious, gradual and phased, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensure that our progress in controlling the virus is maintained. Significant and sustained 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. 

Pilot events are necessary as a proof of concept for the safe management of events in line with the guidelines whilst COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. They assess and build confidence in the COVID-19 guidance and event management protocols developed by sectors. The pilot events have allowed the cultural and sports sector to put in place the necessary safety measures and have allowed for the safe return of spectators. These pilots are, subject to public health conditions, paving the way for greater attendances later in July and August.

I remain firmly committed to the full return of all live events at the earliest possible date, having regard to public health developments, and the pilot performances and sporting events, together with a wide range of horizontal and direct supports for the sector, are all part of a suite of measures designed to sustain and support the sector in its recovery.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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299. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has reviewed the recent large-scale pilot events; if she will support increasing the attendance at provincial stadia following successful pilot events at Croke Park; her plans to allow for customised capacity suitable for each venue versus a universal approach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37202/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recently decided to allow for the further easing of restrictions in line with public health guidance. From 5 July the numbers permitted at outdoor organised events have increased to a maximum of 200 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 500 for outdoor stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000. Subject to improving public health conditions, further easing of restrictions will be considered for August and we anticipate further increases in the numbers permitted at both indoor and outdoor events.

 In respect of the sports sector, my Department has been working since October 2020 with a combined working group of the FAI, the IRFU and the GAA and Sport Ireland.  The working group's guidelines, prepared with the assistance of health and safety experts, are designed for use by event organisers and have been published. The guidelines describe how spectators can safely be accommodated at sporting events.

The Government also recently agreed on pilot events for both entertainment and sport and these events are ongoing.  The pilot events for sport use measures to mitigate against COVID-19 including reduced attendances, careful communication with spectators, physical distancing, mask-wearing, the careful management of entrance and departure of spectators and hand sanitising. Spectators are required to agree to a code of conduct for the event and advised not to attend if they are feeling the symptoms of COVID-19.  A health screening questionnaire is communicated to spectators before events. Full refunds are available to spectators should they need to stay away from the event for health reasons. Sporting bodies apply the guidelines to each event. The specific circumstances and unique character of each venue are taken into account when considering attendances for events.

Pilot events are necessary as a proof of concept for the safe management of events in line with the guidelines whilst COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. They assess and build confidence in the COVID-19 guidance and event management protocols developed by sectors. The pilot events have allowed sports bodies and stadiums to put in place the necessary safety measures and have allowed for  the safe return of spectators. Pilot events are being held not just in Dublin but throughout the country. For example, in the period to 19 July events will be held in Sligo, Mayo, Limerick, Cork, Tipperary and Dublin. Athletics, cricket, association football, gaelic football, camogie, hurling and rugby are some of the examples of the sports involved.

I remain firmly committed to the full return of all live events at the earliest possible date, having regard to public health developments, and the pilot performances and sporting events, together with a wide range of horizontal and direct supports for the sector, are all part of a suite of measures designed to sustain and support the sector in its recovery.