I wish to assure the Deputy that I understand the frustration of individuals and businesses who are anxious to continue the normal day-to-day social, professional and creative activities which are integral to how we live in society. The Framework for Restrictive Measures is a risk management strategy designed to allow individuals, families, businesses and services to better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures Government might introduce to prevent escalation of the transmission of Covid-19. Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are baskets of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
The Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020. At present, Ireland is at Level 5 of the Plan. The public health risk at level 5 means that we are all asked to stay at home, with limited exceptions. Information on the public health measures currently in place in relation to the different Levels can be found at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.8) Regulations 2020 give effect to Level 5 restrictions under the Plan. The Regulations list essential retail and essential services which may operate under Level 5 restrictions. This list does not include private or commercial dance classes. Under Part 2 of the schedule to the Regulations, essential education encompasses primary and post-primary schools, and higher and further education where remote learning is not possible. Where a service provider considers that they fall into the essential education category e.g. as part of the national curriculum or as part of a specific, state-sponsored course of study, they should refer to the Department of Education’s guidance in relation to the operation of education services under Level 5 restrictions.
Similarly, The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.7) Regulations, which applied when the country was under Level 3 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19, did not allow any exercise or dance classes, regardless of the form e.g. Irish, ballet, jazz etc. The only exceptions to this are for individual training or for classes to take place outdoors with a maximum of 15 people attending. It should also be noted that the regulations specifically prohibit the opening of dance studios, other than insofar as they provide gymnasium facilities for use by persons taking exercise on an individual basis. Gyms were also allowed to provide for individual training only under the No. 7 Regulations, they were not allowed to run exercise or dance classes.
At present the Government has made no decision regarding which level or particular restrictions will apply after 1 December as that will depend on the epidemiological situation at the time. The impact of any and all restrictions for every sector, including dance, will be considered carefully as the Government seeks to balance the public health risk posed by COVID with economic, social and wellbeing considerations.
