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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (640)

Alan Dillon

Question:

640. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are plans for the return to sport; the engagement that has taken place with sporting organisations on the current public health restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19461/21]

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Written answers

The easing of public health restrictions in the area of sport is a matter for decision by the Government. It is envisaged that, towards the end of April, the Government will examine the situation then prevailing and will look at further reopening of the economy and society including sports.

Minister Martin and I have an ongoing engagement with stakeholders in the sports sector, as do the officials in my Department and also Sport Ireland. This engagement takes many forms from virtual one to one meetings with National Governing Bodies of sport to larger group meetings, also conducted virtually. There are two main groups which engage with the sector, namely the “Expert Group on Return to Sport” and the “Covid-19 Sport Monitoring Group".

To facilitate the safe return of sporting activity, the Expert Group was established last year to provide advice and guidance to sporting bodies and to review protocols to ensure they are in compliance with public health advice. The Expert Group has had 37 meetings (up to and including Thursday the 15th of April) and has approved protocols from sporting bodies and other relevant organisations. In addition, the Expert Group has developed extensive guidance for the sport sector on assessing and mitigating the risk of infection at sports training and competitive events. I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all members of the Group for their efforts which have facilitated a safe return to sport for children and adults.

The other main group which interacts with the sports sector is the Covid-19 Sports Monitoring Group. This group has met 11 times, most recently on April 9th. I chair this group which comprises Department Officials, Sport Ireland and a broad range of stakeholders in sport such as National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships as well as other partners including the Federation of Irish Sport, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland and Ireland Active. The group serves as a forum for the stakeholders to engage directly with the Minister on issues of concern for their members.

I can assure the Deputy that Minister Martin and I will continue our close and regular engagement with the sporting bodies.

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