Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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520. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if aqua-aerobics classes can be permitted given that swimming pools are currently open for individual use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39258/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Since 7 June, indoor sports, swimming pools and leisure centres have been allowed to re-open for individual training purposes and for the provision of swimming classes. The decision to exceptionally include swimming classes is in specific recognition of the contribution that such classes make to water safety and is not intended to cover other indoor fitness classes such as those mentioned by the Deputy. Any decision on the further lifting of the restrictions, and its timing, is a matter for Government and not for individual Ministerial decision. The Government has indicated that any such decision will be considered in the context of the prevailing public health situation and vaccination roll-out.

On 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead, with an emphasis on lower risk activities given the risks posed by the Delta variant.

The Government continues to follow its plan to review and monitor the control of the virus and follow the prevailing public health advice in support of a safe and gradual reopening, in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead. Unfortunately this means that indoor activities in groups or classes cannot be permitted at present. Detailed Information and updates may be accessed on the gov.ie website.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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521. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the plans in place for unvaccinated children utilising indoor play centres and camps; the effect this has on these facilities to reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39733/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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On 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead, with an emphasis on lower risk activities given the risks posed by the Delta variant.

Details of current public health measures can be found online at gov.ie. Gov.ie provides the current position with respect to indoor leisure facilities and summer camps: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/7894b-post-cabinet-statement-resilience-and-recovery-the-path-ahead/#summer-camps. It provides that summer camps should adhere to public health measures on organised indoor and outdoor activities as appropriate, applying at the time. Currently outdoor camps can go ahead, but indoor camps are not permitted. Additionally, it provides that indoor facilities including indoor play centres must remain closed.

The public health measures decided upon by Government are also given effect in regulations made by the Minister for Health under Section 31A of the Health Act of 1937. The current regulations made under the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A) set limits on attendances at organised outdoor events and do not provide for any organised indoor events.

My colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has policy responsibility for children and youth, including with respect to play and recreation.