John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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2283. To ask the Minister for Health when activities such as indoor bridge playing might be considered allowable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37246/21]

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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2284. To ask the Minister for Health when activities that are non-contact and non-sporting may be considered to reactivate under appropriate health and safety protocols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37247/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2283 and 2284 together.

As the Deputy 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.

Disease incidence has increased rapidly in recent weeks, especially among those who are not yet fully protected through vaccination and the outlook for the coming weeks is very uncertain.

Unfortunately, due to current uncertainties there is not yet an indication of when organised indoor events will be permitted. The epidemiological situation will be monitored on an ongoing basis and the level of restrictions will be kept under review by Government.

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