Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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467. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if full attendances at racecourses will be moved forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48926/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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On 31st August the Government announced the following in relation to easing COVID-19 restrictions from 6^thSeptember subject to continued protective factors and sectoral guidance.

Organised outdoor events and mass gatherings

- Organised outdoor events and mass gatherings can take place with capacity limits of 75% of venue capacity where all patrons are immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous six months), or accompanied minors (under 18), in line with sectoral guidance

- Where patrons have mixed immunity status, the capacity limit will be 50%, subject to appropriate protective measures including social distancing between groups and face masks.

Both figures will rise to 100% if, as planned, all restrictions are lifted on 22nd October 2021.

The pre-eminence of the protection of public health in the current pandemic situation is at the fore of such considerations.