Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a business (details supplied) which is currently unable to operate as a restaurant due to Covid-19 restrictions, is able to function as a wedding venue and accommodate up to 25 persons as per current regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32811/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 is a cross-government approach to managing and living with the pandemic over the next 6 – 9 months. The Government decided that, from midnight on Wednesday 21st October, the entire country would be placed on Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID with a small number of exceptions.
This action was based on current public health advice, the deteriorating situation with the disease across the country and the Government’s objectives to support families by keeping schools and childcare facilities open, maintaining non-Covid health services and protecting the vulnerable. Essential retail and essential services will remain open.
Wedding receptions are permitted in restaurants and wedding guidelines can be found here: https://covid19.failteireland.ie/industry-updates/government-update-on-wedding-guidelines-october-21-2020/.
Guidance published by the Department of the Taoiseach on what comprises Essential Services can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/.
Physical attendance at workplaces is only permitted for those providing essential services where such services can only be provided in person and cannot be delivered remotely.
Essential purposes for travel (permitted outside 5 km limit) includes travel to and from work, where work involves providing an essential service.
