Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
294. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of the expected restrictions on outdoor festivals throughout the summer months; and the number of persons that will be allowed to attend such festivals in the coming months. [24158/21]
View answer295. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of attendance at drive-in events; if such events are currently proceeding; and if there is a limit on the number of cars which will be allowed. [24159/21]
View answer302. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if dancing and performing arts are now included in the guidelines for sports for the duration of Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24349/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 294, 295 and 302 together.
The Government’s COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead plan sets out the Government’s objectives for the full recovery of social life, public services and the economy. The Government has decided to move ahead with this The Path Ahead plan as we are now in the early stages of the recovery phase of the pandemic. The decision is based on advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), that a cautious and gradual phased reopening over May and June, with an emphasis on outdoor activity and a moderate increase in social contact, can be considered low to medium risk. NPHET has advised that there is scope to ease a range of public health measures in this manner with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This allows us to continue through the Recovery phase, focusing on what is safest and generates the most benefit and with a focus on outdoors activities – both social and economic.
The guidance on dance and sports are identical under the different levels of the Plan. Festivals and the performing arts are included with organised indoor and outdoor events. The Path Ahead framework sets out when it is considered that organised indoor or outdoor events can take place. From 10 May 2021 organised outdoor gatherings with a maximum attendance of 15 people can take place.
Drive-in events are not permitted at this time.
A number of other activities will be considered at the end of June for later in the year including:
- indoor hospitality (restaurants, bars, nightclubs, casinos)
- indoor team/group sports including matches, training and exercise classes
- mass gatherings/events (including spectators) indoors and outdoors
Work is continuing on other issues in preparation for the coming months including plans to hold a limited number of pilot live events for arts, culture, sport and live entertainment (indoor and outdoor). This will inform the safe reopening of these activities and events when the public health situation allows.
I established the Return to Live Entertainment Working Group to facilitate stakeholder consultation and develop COVID-19 Guidelines for the Live Entertainment sector. The Group includes stakeholders from across the live entertainment sector as well and those with appropriate technical knowledge in the planning, management and delivery of events. The Group will produce a set of overarching guiding principles that all venue promotors can adopt for their specific purposes. It is chaired by my Department and had its first meeting on 21 April 2021. The Live Entertainment Working Group includes stakeholders with appropriate technical knowledge in the planning, management and delivery of events and is will produce a set of overarching guiding principles which all venue promotors can adopt for their specific purposes.
While the timeframe for the resumption of entertainment events including festivals is dependent on public health considerations, it is critical that a set of COVID-19 guidelines is developed and ready in advance of the re-opening of the sector.
The Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland entered into a strategic partnership in order to develop guidance for the safe presentation of festivals and live events. This document is currently at the consultation stage and is due to be published in the coming weeks. The Arts Council are also working with my Department and Theatre Forum on progressing guidance for the safe reopening of theatres and art centres.
