Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
357. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if she will clarify the Covid-19 measures for dance schools which offer credits towards approved third level performing arts course; and if dance schools will be considered a sport for the purpose of Covid-19 guidelines and as such bound by the same regulations of other sporting activities. [21772/20]
View answer376. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if clarity will be provided for videographers and photographers on the most recent HSE guidelines within the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22184/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 376 together.
Comprehensive guidance on the latest Regulations under the Health Act 1947 which are in place until 14 September 2020 is published on gov.ie and includes guidance on cultural, social and sport measures can be viewed at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o/#cultural-social-and-sport-measures
With regard to activities involving young people, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs have published a Guidance Document for Youth Organisations on Resuming Full Services after COVID-19 and this can be accessed at the following link https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/58393-guidance-for-youth-organisations-on-resuming-full-services-after-covid-19/
The Deputies may be aware that I recently had a meeting with the Minister for Health, the Acting Chief Medical Officer, and the National Campaign for the Arts and the Arts Council. It was agreed at that meeting that the arts sector could provide input to health authorities in charting the way forward for a return to safe performances and activities.
The Government plan to finalise and publish a Roadmap for Resilience and Recovery later this month. This will map how we balance public health, economic and social aspects of living with COVID-19 in the short to medium term and try to bring some greater certainty so that society and business can plan forward. I am exploring further the arts sector’s input to this Roadmap.
