Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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319. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when indoor group fitness training will be permitted in premises in which social distancing can be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38024/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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It is a matter for decision by the Government as to when various restrictions such as those currently in place for indoor group fitness training can be lifted. Such decisions will be based on public health advice and will be framed to respond effectively to the prevailing pandemic circumstances.

The Government recognises the physical and mental health benefits associated with fitness training. From the 7th  of June, individual indoor sports training in gyms and other such facilities has accordingly been permitted. This includes one-to-one instruction. While individual indoor training activity is permitted, indoor group exercise classes, games, matches or competitions are not.

For the Deputy's information, I would add that the total numbers currently permitted in a given indoor facility for individual training takes cognisance of social distancing and is dependent on the capacity of that facility to fully comply with the public health requirements and associated protocols developed by the relevant sporting bodies and organisations. Further information and advice in this regard is available from those bodies and organisations which remain in a close and ongoing engagement with Sport Ireland.