Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
361. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the indoor sporting activities that will be permitted at level 3 and 4 when there is an easing of restrictions; if socially-distanced indoor classes can continue under levels 3 and 4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35288/20]
View answerThe Government's Resilience and Recovery Plan 2020-2021 provides for indoor individual training only in Levels 3 and 4. It also states explicitly that there should be no exercise or dance classes in these levels. The Plan also states that gyms and leisure centres are not permitted to open in Level 4 restrictions.
On the matter of social distancing, Sport Ireland guidance to the sport sector emphasises that social distancing should be adhered to insofar as it is possible at all levels of the Plan. Exercise class providers should strive to ensure that social distancing is maintained in all their classes, for example by limiting occupancy at their premises and enforcing physical distancing between participants. These practical measures can play an important role in preventing disease transmission.
While I am pleased to note that that COVID-19 data indicates improvements across a range of indicators, which gives us hope that the epidemiological situation is once again coming under control, it is too early at this point to consider the easing of restrictions. The current Level 5 restrictions will continue until 2 December.
The Expert Group on the Return to Sport, which was established by my Department in May 2020 has considered the matter of indoor individual training as permitted in Levels 3 and 4 of the Plan. Guidance in draft form has been shared with other relevant Departments. Following completion of the consultation process, it is my expectation that this guidance can be published in the near future, in sufficient time for its application under the appropriate level of the Government’s Resilience and Recovery plan.
