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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021

Tuesday, 22 June 2021

Questions (103)

John Lahart

Question:

103. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the guidelines and pathway in place for reopening sports grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33298/21]

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Written answers

The Government recently decided to allow for the further easing of restrictions in line with public health guidance.  In general, from 7 June the numbers permitted at organised outdoor events can increase to a maximum of 100 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 200 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000. From 5 July the numbers permitted at outdoor organised events can further increase to a maximum of 200 for the majority of venues, with a maximum of 500 for outdoor stadia/venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000. Subject to improving public health conditions, further easing of restrictions will be considered for August and we anticipate further increases in the numbers permitted at both indoor and outdoor events.

In addition to that, my Department has been working since October 2020 with a combined working group of the FAI, the IRFU and the GAA and Sport Ireland.  The working group's guidelines, prepared with the assistance of health and safety experts, are designed for use by event organisers and have recently been published. The guidelines describe how spectators can safely be accommodated at sporting events.

Pilot events are necessary as a proof of concept for the safe management of events in line with the guidelines whilst Covid-19 is still circulating in our communities. They assess and build confidence in the Covid-19 guidance and event management protocols developed by sectors. The pilot events we have announced will allow for sports bodies and stadiums to put in place and test out the necessary safety measures to allow the safe return of spectators.

The pilot events will use measures to mitigate against Covid-19 including reduced attendances, careful communication with spectators, social distancing, mask-wearing, the careful management of entrance and departure of spectators and hand sanitising. Spectators are required to agree to a code of conduct for the event and advised not to attend if they are feeling the symptoms of Covid-19.  A health screening questionnaire is communicated to spectators before events. Full refunds are available to spectators should they need to stay away from the event for health reasons.

The intention is that the pilots will, subject to public health conditions, pave the way for greater attendances in July and August. Pilots will be reviewed by the working group in the week following any pilot event and results will also be communicated to broader society to ensure that communities around Ireland can get back to safe enjoyment of our favourite sports and events. The guidelines will be updated at the end of the pilot events if need be to reflect any lessons learned.

Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 96.
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