Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
586. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to allow outdoor sporting activities to resume after 5 April 2021 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15784/21]
View answerIn the context of the recent publication of the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021 – The Path Ahead, the Government has agreed that the public health restrictions will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The public health advice is that it is too early to say how and when other restrictions should be eased given current uncertainties. Government will meet in advance of the 5th of April to review the level of restrictions. The focus of the assessment, based on the public health advice, will be on achieving the following before any significant easing of measures is contemplated:
1. Disease prevalence (case numbers/incidence) is brought to much lower levels that can be managed and controlled by public health and that the reproduction number (“R” number) is such that we can be confident that we can continue to suppress the disease e.g. at or below 1.
2. Hospital and critical care occupancy are reduced to low levels to protect the health service and allow for the safe resumption of non-COVID-19 care.
3. Ongoing and steady progress on the vaccination programme such that the most vulnerable are protected through vaccination.
4. Emerging information on variants of concern.
Any easing of measures should be slow and gradual with sufficient time between phases to assess impact and to respond if the epidemiological situation was to deteriorate. It will take account of emerging international and national evidence and experience and with a specific focus on supporting mental health and wellbeing. The Government has agreed that the following areas may be considered if the situation improves sufficiently:
- Some easing of restrictions on outdoor activities and meetings beyond 1 other household.
- Consideration of extending the current 5km limit.
- Staggered start of easing of other areas of activity with a focus on outdoor activities including sport and some areas of construction.
The Government fully recognises the positive contribution which sport makes to people's physical and mental health. Minister Martin and I are continuing our engagement with Sport Ireland and the sporting bodies with a view to bringing proposals at the appropriate time for consideration by Government, in consultation with NPHET and the public health authorities.
