Written answers

Thursday, 9 September 2021

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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268. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when live music will be permitted back in indoor hospitality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41816/21]

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Under COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, the Government's agreed plan for the next and final phase of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, live music is permitted from 6 September in indoor hospitality settings having due regard to appropriate protective factors.

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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269. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a plan will be produced for safe reopening for staff, children and parents involved in the performing arts and a timeline for the safe resumption of indoor classes. [41826/21]

Photo of Neale RichmondNeale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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275. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has a roadmap for when indoor classes will be allowed to resume; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42134/21]

Photo of Eoin Ó BroinEoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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277. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if one to one music classes are identified as a personal service; and if she will provide clarity on the return of one to one music classes under the current public health guidelines. [42203/21]

Photo of Gino KennyGino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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279. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will establish a framework that brings the public health restrictions on individual in-person music tuition in line with other sectors in order that students can attend classes as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42309/21]

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 269, 275, 277 and 279 together.

On 31 August, the Government published a plan - COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting.  The Government has agreed that during the period between 1 September and 22 October, we will continue our careful and gradual approach to reopening, while supporting maximum reach of the vaccine programme and allowing time to achieve the full benefits for all those currently being vaccinated.  The Plan emphasises the importance of personal responsibility in minimising opportunities for virus transmission as we move into the final stages of the reopening of our society and economy.

In terms of arts and culture activities, one to one music, dance and art classes may operate at the moment.

Additionally, at its meeting on 31 August, Government agreed on the return of organised indoor group activities, on the following basis from 20 September:

- For organised indoor activities where attendees are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, and accompanying minors, 100 people may attend; 

- For organised indoor activities where attendance is a mixed group of vaccinated and unvaccinated people, the group should be organised in pods of up to 6 participants (excluding adult leaders/teachers), with 2m distancing between pods. 

Indoor group activities include sports, arts, culture and dance classes. All indoor group activities should ensure that there are appropriate infection prevention and control measures in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission.The Arts Council has prepared guidance on the reopening of arts, culture and dance activities for children and young people which is available on their website , which is currently being updated.

As signalled by Government in its reopening plan, it is envisaged that a full return to these activities will be possible after 22 October 2021 as the vaccination programme progresses and subject to the levels of infections and hospitalisations at that time.  

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