Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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1918. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the permissibility of novelty acts at weddings; the measures he is taking to ensure that novelty acts can resume safely at weddings as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35864/21]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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2015. To ask the Minister for Health if live music is permitted at weddings and wedding receptions; if this matter is under further consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36183/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1918 and 2015 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, on 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead.

While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme, the rapidly increasing prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant, and the significant risk this poses, in particular to those who are not yet fully vaccinated, meant that a number of higher risk indoor activities did not recommence as planned on 5 July, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status. However, as an exception, weddings already planned have been allowed to proceed with the planned increase in the number of guests to 50 at the wedding reception with protective measures from 5 July.

Music is permitted at a wedding ceremony or service, subject to HPSC guidance available online: www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/funeraldirectorsguidance/COVID_religious%20settings.pdf

Live music, performances and novelty acts are not permitted at wedding receptions at present. This is outlined further in the Fáilte Ireland guidelines which can be found online: covid19.failteireland.ie/operational-guidelines/

Unfortunately, the outlook for the coming weeks is very uncertain and there is not yet an indication of when live music, performances or dancing will be permitted at weddings. The epidemiological situation will be monitored on an ongoing basis and the level of restrictions will be kept under review by Government.

Significant 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. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.