Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
622. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when outdoor dance classes will be allowed to resume for adults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18762/21]
View answer650. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if outdoor drama practice for children can recommence in line with the proposed reopening of outdoor training for under 18s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19828/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 622 and 650 together.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead, sets out information on the staggered start of easing of other areas of restriction with a focus on outdoor activities including sport. For guidance purposes dance has been included under sports under the different levels of the Plan. This easing is of course dependent on whether the transmission of the virus reaches acceptable levels, the vaccination programme progresses as planned and public health advice allows. Further details of the plan can be accessed at this link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/
This Framework sets out the approach to each phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation. All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time. The Framework sets out when it is considered that organised indoor or outdoor events can take place and at present, no organised indoor or outdoor gatherings should take place.
Subject to the prevailing disease situation, from 26 April, underage non-contact outdoor training in pods of 15 or fewer, which includes dance, can resume with protocols. In these cases robust protocols and protective measures, including appropriate supervision and capacity limits, should be in place.
