Skip to main content
Normal View

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

Questions (255, 270)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

255. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason for the reference to presumably indoor auditoriums and conferencing and event centres given in the context of outdoor events on page 47 of the document COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead; and when the specific guidance outlined will be developed and published. [11499/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

270. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason for the reference to presumably indoor auditoriums and conferencing and event centres given in the context of outdoor events on page 47 of the document COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead; her plans to engage with the events sector; and when the specific guidance outlined will be developed and published. [11498/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 270 together.

The current epidemiological situation is such that Government does not consider it appropriate to move to a level under the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: the Path Ahead that would provide for the reopening of indoor auditoriums, conferencing and event centres. The 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.

The public health measures recognise the need to reduce congregation and interactions between people to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead is based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.

Indoor events are only allowed for under levels 1 and 2 of the revised plan. Under level 1 up to 100 patrons are allowed and 200 in larger venues where strict 2 metre seated social distancing and one way controls for entry and exit can be implemented. These numbers are halved respectively under level 2 of the plan.

The Government's Plan for Living with COVID-19, published last year, committed to the development of guidelines for large purpose built auditoriums and stadia. In response to this commitment, key stakeholders supported by my Department have developed or are in the process of developing the following guidance documents:

- For the sports sector the Expert Group on the Return to Sport has drafted guidance on the safe reopening of stadiums;

- Fáilte Ireland has developed draft guidance on conferencing and events;

- Guidelines for the live entertainment sector are currently in preparation and my Department continues to engage with stakeholders from the events sector.

My Department continues to work with stakeholders and the Department of Health on the finalisation of these guidance documents to ensure that they are in place for the reopening of the live entertainment sector when it is safe to do so.

Top
Share