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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020

Thursday, 19 November 2020

Questions (74)

Gary Gannon

Question:

74. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for getting arts and entertainment businesses open at level 3 of the Living with Covid-19 plan. [37373/20]

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Written answers

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 in 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/.  At all times the priority guiding the plan will be to keep our schools open, while keeping people safe and protecting the resilience of our economy and communities.

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.

The Government has yet to make a decision on the 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 well-being considerations.

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