Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2021

Wednesday, 7 July 2021

Questions (58)

Marian Harkin

Question:

58. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the date for the return of events (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30506/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

I wish to clarify that the activity concerned, as with similar charity or community runs, whilst a valuable and inclusive recreational activity for many communities countrywide, is not a sporting activity governed by a recognised National Governing Body of Sport (NGB). They are therefore subject to the rules governing organised outdoor gatherings, not those rules governing sports events or training events.

The return of the activity the Deputy refers to is fundamentally concerned with the removal of the current restrictions on the size of outdoor public gatherings. Under the latest amendment of the public health regulations, gatherings of 200 persons at most venues are permitted, as are gatherings of up to 500 at relevant venues, which means a fixed or temporary venue, including a stadium, arena, grandstand, park, pitch or golf course, that would, but for the restrictions on attendance at events provided for by the Regulations, be capable of accommodating at least 5,000 persons outdoor.

I understand that during the Covid-19 pandemic the organisation in question have been supporting participants to take part in individual exercise in line with public health guidelines. Furthermore, there has been regular contact with the organisers throughout the pandemic. Their representatives recently met with my Department to discuss the resumption of their events when regulations permit. As part of these discussions, they have submitted a COVID-19 Framework which has been reviewed by the Department's Return to Sport Expert Group and feedback has been provided via Sport Ireland. Both Sport Ireland and the Return to Sport Expert Group are supportive of their return and will continue to provide guidance and support as they further progress with their plans to resume.