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Community Training Centres

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Questions (1274, 1294, 1309)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

1274. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if the venues used by community education providers that deliver courses and training, for example, community employment schemes can be regarded as education facilities in order that numbers in the classroom can be over six persons; and the maximum number of persons which some of the local community venues utilised to deliver the courses are insisting on being complied with. [21881/20]

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Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1294. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding limits on training classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22021/20]

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Niall Collins

Question:

1309. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding social distancing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22055/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1274, 1294 and 1309 together.

You will be aware that the situation regarding COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, an evolving situation. COVID-19 is still having a major impact both here in Ireland and elsewhere. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.

Progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.

The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and it provides advice to Government in line with the current epidemiological position. The latest public health advice on these matters is available at the links below and is updated on a regular basis:

https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health/

https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

https://www.gov.ie/en/

The recently introduced regulations [(S.I. 326 of 2020) Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020], which state that events being organised indoors may have no more than 6 attendees apply to social, recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment and community events.

Education and work related activities are not impacted by these restrictions and can continue to operate, subject to adherence to public health guidance relating to physical distancing and other protective measures. Please note the following general guidance:

- Meetings/training should take place online where possible.

- Where face-to-face meetings/classes are necessary, physical distancing of 2 metres must apply. Meetings should be kept as short as possible.

- Managed and organised arrival and departure processes must be in place.

- Communication and Preparation ahead of the meeting/training should endeavor to reduce the actual time required at the meeting/training.

- Where possible, increase ventilation in the meeting facilities.

- The numbers attending should be kept to an absolute minimum. Capacity will depend on the venue and the ability to physically distance and ensure other protective measures are in place, the overall numbers at any one time within the meeting facility should not exceed 50 people.

- To ensure optimal physical distancing, multiple pods of a maximum of 6 people in each is preferable if sufficient space is available and if it is feasible, with no inter-mingling between pods.

- Business/work related activities in person, this should happen in line with the Return to Work Safely Protocol.

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