Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
826. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a sporting event (details supplied); if the event has been reviewed by his Department; if so, if the event will proceed in view of public health guidance and social distancing concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7941/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will no doubt be aware, all types of mass gatherings have been restricted since 24th March. In order to provide early certainty to promoters of licensable events, a decision was taken that all licensable events up to the end of August would not proceed. No decision has yet been taken on sports events, such as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic game scheduled for 29th August 2020. Whatever public health advice applies in August will, of course, be abided by.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Businesses, published on 1st May, sets out a gradual and stepped plan for easing the COVID-19 restrictions and returning to social and economic activity. It is a flexible framework document which is entirely dependent on our success in suppressing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In line with this Roadmap and its five-phase plan for easing restrictions, it is envisioned that spectator events that involve mass gatherings might be permitted in Phase 5 but “only in accordance with both indoor and outdoor number restrictions and where social distancing can be complied with”.
As the Deputy will also be aware, the current position is that visitors from overseas need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival into Ireland and subsequently abide by the relevant public health advice regarding travel within Ireland.
