Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021
147. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a club (details supplied) can hold events as of 7 June 2021 in line with the recommencement on sporting events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28796/21]
View answerFrom June 7th the resumption of outdoor competition is permitted. Such activity will take place under strict protocols and without spectators. The capacities in individual and non-team focused sports will reflect the nature of the particular sport, the size and scale of proposed venues and the standard operating procedures of the National Governing Bodies (NGBs), in this case Motorsport Ireland.
In the initial stages sports are encouraged to focus on the minimum number of participants required to stage a meaningful event safely. Additional thought will also be required by NGBs if organising events that take place (fully or partially) on public grounds or roads. When planning events NGBs should also seek to engage with other relevant stakeholders such as the Health & Rescue Services, Gardaí and the Local Authorities.
To assist in planning during the initial return, a set of Guiding Principles have been developed in consultation with the Return to Sport Expert Group. These have been distributed to the relevant NGBs. While Sport Ireland and the Return to Sport Expert Group remains available to provide feedback on the COVID-19 elements of competition protocols it is important to note that NGBs and their affiliates will have responsibility for the organisation, sanctioning and monitoring of the events within their own sports. Neither my Department, Sport Ireland nor the Return to Sport Expert Group will play a role in sanctioning these events.
