David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

160. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the operational guidelines currently in place for hospitality and live entertainment venues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54987/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Up-to-date operational guidelines for a range of tourism and hospitality businesses are available on the Fáilte Ireland website(covid19.failteireland.ie/operational-guidelines/). Guidelines for the live entertainment and nightclub sector have recently been published by my Department and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/updated-guidelines-for-nightlife-and-live-entertainment-sector/.  These guidelines are designed to assist businesses to reopen and operate safely through the ongoing pandemic, in line with relevant Government public health advice and related Regulations.

In light of the epidemiological situation which has emerged over the last number of weeks, it is imperative that we carefully manage reopening.  Government's aim is to allow as many businesses as possible reopen and continue operating in the safest possible way.  This is why we need regulations and robust guidance to assist businesses to reopen safely and, importantly, to stay open.  Central to all sectoral guidelines is a commitment to adhering to appropriate infection prevention control measures, which are necessary to protect individuals and society, as well as supporting our continued progress towards a full return to operation of various sectors.  Compliance with these measures should not be considered best practice but, rather, the minimum standard required to protect our communities.

I acknowledge that the ongoing public health restrictions continue to be challenging for relevant businesses.  However, with COVID-19 still circulating in our communities and particularly in light of the epidemiological situation that has emerged over recent weeks, it is imperative that we carefully manage reopening and continuing business operations.  Accordingly it is important that we continue to adhere to COVID-19-related guidelines and public health advice in order to minimise opportunities for the transmission of the virus.

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

162. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the Sport Ireland guidelines for underage indoor club sports in terms of Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54843/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

At its meeting on 19 October 2021, and following consideration of the public health advice, Government agreed that additional aspects of society can reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place. As such, current restrictions under the Government’s plan state that organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place. For indoor sports, this means:

- Where individuals have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted (excluding adult coaches/instructors).

- Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures.

- The overall number of pods will have regard to the size of venue and there should be substantial social distance between individual pods.

- For Vaccinated individuals no fixed capacity limits apply to these activities.

- For spectators, the use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate) will be required for accessing indoor sporting activities and events.

- Vaccinated spectators attending indoor sporting events should be fully seated.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Government agreed last week to widen the range of sporting opportunities for young people which enables under 18 indoor sports games and competitions in sports such as basketball to go ahead. On foot of this, updated guidance has been provided by Sport Ireland to sporting organisations to allow children under 18 years of age to participate in indoor games and competition activities according to the ordinary rules and limits of the sport concerned.  The full guidance can be accessed on the Sport Ireland website at:

www.sportireland.ie/covid19/return-to-sport-and-physical-activity