Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2020
204. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if private music schools are included in the permissible activities under the Covid-19 regulations to attend a school, higher education institution or other education and training facility; the permissible activities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34215/20]
View answerThe Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020. Until 1 December, Ireland is at Level 5 of the Plan. Under this level the public health risk means that we are all being asked to stay at home, with certain exceptions. Information on the public health measures in currently in place in relation to the different Levels can be found at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.8) Regulations 2020, which give effect to the level 5 restrictions under the Plan, provide the list of essential retail and essential services which may operate under level 5 restrictions. This list does not include private or commercial music classes.
Education is, however, considered an essential service under the regulations. Under Part 2 of the schedule to the regulations, essential education encompasses primary and post-primary schools, and higher and further education where remote learning is not possible. Where a service provider considers that they fall into the essential education category e.g. as part of the national curriculum or as part of a specific, state-sponsored course of study, they should refer to the Department of Education’s guidance in relation to the operation of education services under Level 5 restrictions: https://www.education.ie/en/covid-19/
