Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
227. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the rationale for allowing certain GAA games, other than at elite level, to proceed while prohibiting soccer and GAA games for similar age groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43416/20]
View answerIt is regrettable that at this time, it is not possible to permit a broader return to competition, but the current Level 3 restrictions are clear that matches and competitive sporting events are not permitted except for professional and elite sportspeople, including specific elite underage competitions. This is in recognition of the need to limit insofar as possible person-to-person contact to prevent transmission of COVID-19. The protocols applied for elite sports training and competition are aligned with international best practice and have been developed in consultation with the Expert Group on the Return to Sport. It is unfortunately not feasible or realistic to expect the application of such rigorous COVID-19 protocols at every level of competition, whether in a club or school.
Under the current restrictions, all clubs can engage in non-contact training outside in pods of up to 15. My Department and Sport Ireland are engaging with the various sporting bodies to inform a review of the measures currently in place for sporting activity, which will be considered by Government early in the New Year. The issue of resuming competitions and leagues will form part of the review.
