Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
301. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if rugby clubs such as a club (details supplied) will be assisted in restarting rugby at senior and underage level. [45143/20]
View answerThe gravity of the current epidemiological situation is such that the Government's clear message is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations.
The current restrictions are clear that matches and competitive sporting events are not permitted except for professional and elite sportspeople. 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.
My Department and Sport Ireland are also engaging with the various sporting bodies to inform a review of the broader COVID-19 measures for sporting activity, which will be considered by Government at the appropriate time. The issue of safely resuming competitions and leagues will form part of the review.
