Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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719. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1184 of 9 September 2021, when new guidelines for addiction recovery group meetings will be published; if these guidelines will take account of the current restrictions imposed in an office environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46261/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The current public health advice for organised indoor group activities is as follows:

Organised indoor group activities (sports, arts, culture, dance classes) can take place with capacity limits of 100 people (with appropriate protective measures) where all patrons are immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous 6 months), or accompanied minors (under 18). Where patrons have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted (excluding adult leaders/teachers). Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures. Number of pods will have regard to the size of venue and substantial social distance between individual pods.

In the light of the above, the Department guidance for drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes, where participants have mixed immunity status, is unchanged. The Department advise that the maximum number of participants is 20, to include organisers. This higher limit is subject to 2 metre social distancing in the venue.

From 22 October onwards, the majority of the remaining restrictions will be lifted and replaced by guidance and advice to enable us to work together to protect ourselves and to live our lives to the fullest extent possible. We will need to continue to monitor the ongoing risk from the disease and take steps individually and collectively in our everyday lives to keep this risk under control.

The following public health restrictions will be lifted:

- requirements for physical distancing

- requirements for mask wearing outdoors and in indoor private settings

- limits on numbers at indoor and outdoor events and activities

- restrictions on religious or civil ceremonies

- limits on numbers that can meet in private homes/gardens

- certification of vaccination, immunity or testing as a prerequisite for access to, or engagement in, any activities or events (with the exception of international travel)

- restrictions on high-risk activities (for example: nightclubs)

Measures that will remain in place include:

- self-isolation when we have symptoms

- mask wearing in healthcare settings, indoor retail and on public transport

I appreciate the positive engagement by drug and alcohol support groups with the Department on this matter. I look forward to the full resumption of their activities from 22nd October.