Emer Higgins
Question:402. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he has considered introducing a vaccine bonus for wedding receptions to allow fully vaccinated persons not be included in the guest number limit. [26209/21]
View answerThursday, 24 June 2021
Questions (402, 464)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:464. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider increasing the number of guests at a wedding reception to 50 if vaccination targets of 80% are met by the end of June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26603/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 464 together.
There has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread adherence by the public to the public health measures in place, and this progress has been sustained during recent phases of reopening in April and May. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme.
On 28 May, Government decided to move ahead with the process of lifting restrictions. The Government announced that a range of measures will be eased in June, with a further easing of measures in July and August subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.
As of 7 June, the number of guests permitted to attend a wedding celebration or reception has increased to 25.
The Government has indicated that a further easing of measures will be considered from 5 July subject to the epidemiological situation at the time and this would see the number of guests permitted at a wedding reception or celebration increase to 50. Next week, Government will give consideration to whether this further easing can proceed as planned.
A further easing is envisaged in August, again subject to the epidemiological situation at the time, which would see maximum attendance at wedding receptions or celebrations increase to 100.
The “vaccine bonus/dividend” provisions currently in place are guided by public health advice and are specifically focused on social visits to private homes to alleviate the impacts of social isolation. Since 10 May, those that are fully vaccinated may visit with other fully vaccinated people, providing there is no more than 3 households present and those that are fully vaccinated may visit with unvaccinated people from a single household if they are not at risk of severe illness and there is no more than 3 households present.
While there is now scope to continue with the easing of public health measures, our approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensure that our progress in controlling the virus is maintained.
Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.