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Tuesday, 8 Dec 2020

Written Answers Nos. 220-239

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (220, 222, 234, 236, 238, 243, 244, 247)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

220. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason for the decision to keep dance classes closed while similar indoor activities are allowed to open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41533/20]

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Seán Haughey

Question:

222. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will review current Covid-19 restrictions in order to allow dance classes to resume; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41807/20]

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Richard Bruton

Question:

234. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the anomaly whereby dance classes still cannot take place even though roller discos are now to be permitted; and if her Department is seeking to develop safe protocols for same. [41321/20]

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Paul McAuliffe

Question:

236. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the Covid-19 guidance that has been given on children's dance classes during level 3; if one-to-one classes are allowed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41423/20]

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Róisín Shortall

Question:

238. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if dance classes are included in the unpublished draft guidance on indoor sport developed by the expert group on the return to sport. [41535/20]

View answer

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

243. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the rationale behind the decision made on children's dance classes under level 3 of the living with Covid plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41680/20]

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Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

244. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has engaged with or plans to engage with any of the organisations that provide children's dance classes to hear their concerns about Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41681/20]

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Gerald Nash

Question:

247. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason indoor dance lessons are prohibited under the current Covid-19 guidelines; the public health evidence for this decision; her views as to whether specific guidelines can be introduced to lessen the risk - for example, smaller numbers, the wearing of face masks, shortened classes - and facilitate a resumption of dance classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41688/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 220, 222, 234, 236, 238, 243, 244 and 247 together.

I am very aware of the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has and continues to have on the sectors that my Department supports. 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 if there is an escalation of the transmission of Covid-19.

From 1st December, the country has moved to Level 3 of the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19. Under these restrictions, indoor dance and exercise classes remain suspended. Individual training, including one-to-one instruction is however allowed at Level 3 and this applies to sport, dance and exercise.

Individual training can be defined as individual, physically distanced, non-contact activity, completed in a pre-defined area, within a controlled environment and without the sharing of equipment. While dance studios are closed at Level 3, they can provide facilities for use in individual dance practice or dance training.

While these measures mean that individual activities can take place, individual training and one-to-one instruction should not be viewed as a way of reintroducing organised dance classes which are specifically precluded under the current public health measures.

While there is understandable frustration by many sectors about the current restrictions, the focus in the run-up to Christmas, is on allowing many activities to proceed as possible, while at the same time being mindful of the priority of safeguarding public health.

The Arts Council is in the process of preparing guidance on individual dance practice/training which will be available shortly. In the meantime, Sport Ireland guidance for individual training may be used (https://www.sportireland.ie/covid19/individual-and-indoor-training).

The measures which should be considered to reduce risk, under the Sport Ireland Guidance include:

- Staggered start and finish times combined with appropriate entry, exit and traffic management protocols to limit the interaction of participants at any one time.

- Prebooking of activity is essential.

- Reduction in the overall duration of the activity.

- Participants arrive ready to train and leave immediately (no changing room or shower use).

- Additional signage, hand sanitization stations and deep cleaning implemented. No equipment sharing in any circumstances.

- Activity should take place in a predefined area which is visually marked out and directionally signed.

- The space required in this area should reflect the nature and intensity of the activity

- There should be in excess of 2m social distancing between each of the predefined areas.

- The cleaning and ventilation of facilities should be conducted in accordance with the Governments most recent Work Safely Protocol .

Additional measures to reduce for one-to-one instruction from Sport Ireland Guidance include the following:

- Any demonstration of equipment or technique should ensure that a minimum of 2m social distancing is maintained.

- Individual equipment should not be shared.

- In the case of fixed equipment, cleaning of such equipment must be completed immediately after demonstration and before the individual participant uses.

- There should be no hands-on adjustments or physical contact during training sessions.

- Instructors should refer to the HSE guidance on wearing of face coverings.

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.9) Regulations 2020, which gives effect to the current modified Level 3 provisions, provides that individuals may attend a primary school or a secondary school for educational reasons. Individuals may also attend a university, higher education institution or other education and training facility in person if it is necessary for such educational reasons.

Some performing arts activities may take place within the context of the national curriculum or as part of a specific course of Education, for example, choir and music activities for music class. For activities under the curriculum or as part of a specific course of Education, the Department of Education’s Roadmap for the Reopening of Schools and associated guidance should be applied.

It should be noted that these arrangements do not include classes which

- do not take place on school premises or in a recognised state-sponsored education setting, other than where the activity is part of the curriculum and must take place at another location e.g. a community centre or swimming pool;

- are extra-curricular classes i.e. those which an individual is pursuing outside of the school day for their own personal development;

- are courses of additional study outside of the school day but which relate to the curriculum e.g. grinds.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (221)

James O'Connor

Question:

221. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position on the restrictions on cafés (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41557/20]

View answer

Written answers

A suite of sector-specific guidelines have been published on the Fáilte Ireland website to assist tourism and hospitality businesses reopen and operate in line with Resilience & Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with Covid-19 and the new Work Safely Protocol.  Designed as “living documents”, these guidelines are updated periodically, as required, in line with the latest Government health advice and related restrictions/provisions.

The guidelines of relevance to cafés are the “Guidelines for Re-opening Restaurants & Cafés”, which are available on the Fáilte Ireland website.  These comprehensive operational guidelines cover a range of important matters, including putting together a business response and action plan; employee and customer health; ventilation; employee responsibilities; physical distancing; cleaning products and protocols; back of house; and the kitchen area; as well as guidance on dealing with suppliers of goods and services.

With specific regard to the purchase of coffee for consumption on-site in a café, there is no accompanying requirement also to purchase a substantial meal with the coffee.  That requirement applies to businesses and services where intoxicating liquor is sold or supplied for consumption on the premises where, in line with the restrictions applying at present, alcohol may only be served to those also ordering a substantial meal for consumption during or after the meal.

Question No. 222 answered with Question No. 220.
Questions Nos. 223 and 224 answered with Question No. 218.

Sports Organisations

Questions (225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

225. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the allocation of State funding that adult female sporting organisations are in receipt of; the breakdown for 2019 and 2020; the funds allocated for 2021 in counties Carlow and Kilkenny by organisation; and the total allocation per county. [41191/20]

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Kathleen Funchion

Question:

226. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the allocation of State funding that adult male sporting organisations are in receipt of; the breakdown for 2019 and 2020; the funds allocated for 2021 in counties Carlow and Kilkenny by organisation; and the total allocation per county. [41192/20]

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Kathleen Funchion

Question:

227. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the allocation of State funding that juvenile female sporting organisations are in receipt of; the breakdown for 2019 and 2020; the funds allocated for 2021 in counties Carlow and Kilkenny by organisation; and the total allocation per county. [41193/20]

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Kathleen Funchion

Question:

228. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the allocation of State funding that juvenile mixed sporting organisations are in receipt of; the breakdown for 2019 and 2020; the funds allocated for 2021 in counties Carlow and Kilkenny, by organisation; and the total allocation per county. [41194/20]

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Kathleen Funchion

Question:

229. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the allocation of State funding that juvenile male sporting organisations are in receipt of; the breakdown for 2019 and 2020; the funds allocated for 2021 in counties Carlow and Kilkenny, by organisation; and the total allocation per county. [41195/20]

View answer

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

230. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the allocation of funding for county boards (details supplied); the breakdown in 2019 and 2020; and the funds allocated for 2021 in counties Carlow and Kilkenny per county. [41196/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 to 230, inclusive, together.

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.  Sport Ireland channels funding for sport through the relevant recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport and the Local Sports Partnerships.  I am arranging for Sport Ireland to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to funding allocations to sporting organisations for 2019, 2020 and 2021.

In relation to capital supports, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Grants are made to individual clubs and organisations with many of these grantees having male, female and juvenile members. Details of all grants awarded under the Programme for the years in question are published on a county basis at:- https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/

The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritise the investment in disadvantaged areas. On 30th November, I announced that a new 2020 round of the Programme was opening with applications accepted from 11th December until 12th February, 2021. At least €40 million is being made available and it is planned to make allocations later in  2021.

Question No. 231 answered with Question No. 218.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (232, 248)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

232. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will engage with organisations (details supplied) to allow them to operate under levels 3 and 4 Covid-19 restrictions provided they follow all the relevant HSE guidelines, practise social distancing in classes and employ a pod system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41257/20]

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Brendan Griffin

Question:

248. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on a matter (details supplied). [41710/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 and 248 together.

I am very aware of the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has and continues to have on the sectors that my Department supports. 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 if there is an escalation of the transmission of Covid-19.  

From 1st December, the country has moved to Level 3 of the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19.  Under these restrictions, indoor dance and exercise classes remain suspended. Individual training, including one-to-one instruction is however allowed at Level 3 and this applies to sport, dance and exercise.

Individual training can be defined as individual, physically distanced, non-contact activity, completed in a pre-defined area, within a controlled environment and without the sharing of equipment.  While dance studios are closed at Level 3, they can provide facilities for use in individual dance practice or dance training.

While these measures mean that individual activities can take place, individual training and one-to-one instruction should not be viewed as a way of reintroducing organised dance classes which are specifically precluded under the current public health measures. 

While there is understandable frustration by many sectors about the current restrictions, the focus in the run-up to Christmas, is on allowing many activities to proceed as possible, while at the same time being mindful of the priority of safeguarding public health.

The Arts Council is in the process of preparing guidance on individual dance practice/training which will be available early next week.  In the meantime, the Sport Ireland guidance for individual training may be used (https://www.sportireland.ie/covid19/individual-and-indoor-training).

 The measures which should be considered to reduce risk, under the Sport Ireland Guidance include:

- Staggered start and finish times combined with appropriate entry, exit and traffic management protocols to limit the interaction of participants at any one time. 

- Prebooking of activity is essential. 

- Reduction in the overall duration of the activity. 

- Participants arrive ready to train and leave immediately (no changing room or shower use). 

- Additional signage, hand sanitisation stations and deep cleaning implemented. No equipment sharing in any circumstances. 

- Activity should take place in a predefined area which is visually marked out and directionally signed. 

- The space required in this area should reflect the nature and intensity of the activity 

- There should be in excess of 2m social distancing between each of the predefined areas.  

- The cleaning and ventilation of facilities should be conducted in accordance with the Governments most recent Work Safely Protocol . 

Additional measures to reduce for one-to-one instruction from Sport Ireland Guidance include the following:

- Any demonstration of equipment or technique should ensure that a minimum of 2m social distancing is maintained. 

- Individual equipment should not be shared. 

- In the case of fixed equipment, cleaning of such equipment must be completed immediately after demonstration and before the individual participant uses. 

- There should be no hands-on adjustments or physical contact during training sessions. 

- Instructors should refer to the HSE guidance on wearing of face coverings. 

 The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.9) Regulations 2020, which gives effect to the current modified Level 3 provisions, provides that individuals may attend a primary school or a secondary school for educational reasons.  Individuals may also attend a university, higher education institution or other education and training facility in person if it is necessary for such educational reasons.

Some performing arts activities may take place within the context of the national curriculum or as part of a specific course of Education, for example, choir and music activities for music class.  For activities under the curriculum or as part of a specific course of Education, the Department of Education’s Roadmap for the Reopening of Schools and associated guidance should be applied.

It should be noted that these arrangements do not include classes which:

- do not take place on school premises or in a recognised state-sponsored education setting, other than where the activity is part of the curriculum and must take place at another location e.g. a community centre or swimming pool;

- are extra-curricular classes i.e. those which an individual is pursuing outside of the school day for their own personal development;

- are courses of additional study outside of the school day but which relate to the curriculum e.g. grinds.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (233)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

233. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 348 of 17 November 2020, when the draft guidance on indoor sport developed by the expert group on the return to sport will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41318/20]

View answer

Written answers

The guidance to which the Deputy refers has been published and is available on Sport Ireland's website.

Question No. 234 answered with Question No. 220.

National Archives

Questions (235)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

235. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when construction works will commence on the new state-of-the-art archives repository project; and the estimated duration of such works. [41411/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Government's Project Ireland 2040 programme is a ten year capital development plan which commits inter alia to the redevelopment of Ireland's National Cultural Institutions, including the redevelopment of the National Archives.

Work has already been competed on the removal of archives from the warehouse of the National Archives. The move is part of preparatory works by the Office of Public Works before the commencement of the main construction element of the project which is estimated to begin  in the first half 2021. The main construction period is estimated to last 16 months.

The new repository will provide international-standard accommodation for approximately 350,000 archival boxes and this extra storage capacity will ensure the permanent preservation of records for future generations.

Question No. 236 answered with Question No. 220.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (237)

Carol Nolan

Question:

237. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider requests by a club (details supplied) to allow underage grassroots football matches to be played, considering it has been able to engage in such matches since early October; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41473/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Framework for Restrictive Measures is a risk management strategy designed to allow individuals, families, businesses and services better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures Government might introduce to stop escalation of the transmission of COVID-19. The Government’s strategy, in line with the public health advice, is disease suppression. COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. The risk of infection spread is greater in certain environments than others e.g. uncontrolled environments, crowded and noisy places, indoor environments, and poorly ventilated spaces.

In Levels, 3, 4 and 5 of the Government's Resilience and Recovery Plan, sporting competitions and events - indoors or outdoors - are not permitted for any age cohort except for defined exempted athletes and teams, as set out in the public health regulations. Only outdoor, non-contact training is currently permitted under Level 3 in pods of up to 15.

Accordingly, while the proposal by the Deputy for underage grassroots football matches would not be permitted in the current Level 3 restrictions, engagement with the sport sector is ongoing. I am committed to ensuring the earliest possible safe return to play for both underage and adult football. To that end I have recently written to all National Governing Bodies, including the FAI, seeking written submissions and all available evidence and data for the purposes of informing the development of tailored proposals and approaches for future mitigation measures. It is my objective that such submissions would enable the Government to review and potentially adapt the suite of public health measures currently applying to sport and exercise activities.

Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 220.

Sports Capital Programme

Questions (239)

Joe Carey

Question:

239. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the payment of a sports capital grant (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41555/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department makes every effort to pay all Sports Capital grant drawdown requests as quickly as possible. The Department has continued to process payments throughout the year despite staff working from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In relation to the grant referred to by the Deputy, while the required documentation has been submitted for grant payment, an issue arose in relation to the bank account details provided for the drawdown request which were different from those originally registered by the club. Accordingly, my Department has been in contact with the club in question and, once all outstanding matters have been resolved, every effort will be made to make the payment as quickly as possible.

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