Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
203. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has engaged with Sport Ireland and national governing bodies, NGBs, in respect of plans to resume sports matches and training for amateur teams and persons. [7962/21]
View answerThe Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations. Sporting activity, including sports matches and training for amateur teams and persons, is not considered essential in this context. Planning for the resumption of such sporting activity is however continuing.
I have an ongoing dialogue with the National Governing Bodies of sport through the Sports Monitoring Group. I have also actively sought the views of sporting bodies in regard to how to conduct sport safely. In December 2020, I wrote to all National Governing Bodies seeking submissions on what key modifications, in particular to Level 3 of the Government Framework, can be safely introduced to bring the most benefit to sport. The sector has welcomed this engagement and to date a total of 44 submissions have been received from sporting bodies. Review and analysis of these submissions is currently underway.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is keen to facilitate the maximum possible level of sporting activity at the earliest possible date once the public health circumstances have improved to the extent required.
