Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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242. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department will ensure that the updated guidelines in relation to the safe reopening of indoor performing arts classes will be provided to education and training board management when they have been produced by the Arts Council. [44697/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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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. 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 to outdoor and indoor events at the following capacity levels and with maximum available social distancing between groups:

-Indoors – for vaccinated/recovered people and accompanying minors- 60% capacity

-Outdoors - for vaccinated/recovered people and accompanying minors- 75% capacity

-Outdoors - for mixed groups of vaccinated/recovered and unvaccinated people – 50% capacity.

The announcement of dates for the lifting of restrictions is a response to a clear call from the sector. In the interim, we will see increased opportunities for live performance both indoors and outdoors from 6 September.

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 [www.artscouncil.ie/Covid-19/government-guidelines/].

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