Wednesday, 7 Jul 2021

Written Answers Nos. 41-60

Driver Test

Questions (41)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

41. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36615/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The driving theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.

Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case is being referred to it for direct reply.

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Electric Vehicles

Questions (42)

Steven Matthews

Question:

42. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding funding applications by Wicklow County Council in 2021 with respect to electric vehicle charging points; and if the number of applications and level of funding applied for in both successful and unsuccessful applications will be provided in tabular form. [36650/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. A national charging infrastucture strategy is due for publication later this year which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030. My Department has begun an engagement with the Local Authorities to inform this work.

I am also aware that work is advancing by the CCMA on the provision of guidance to local authorities on the provision of charging infrastructure. The sub-committee preparing this document is being chaired by Wicklow County Council.

In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme continues to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs. My Department has committed to reviewing the Scheme in early Autumn to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.

Thirteen local authorities have been in touch with SEAI in relation to the scheme. To date, letters of offer have issued to Louth County Council and Dublin City Council to install a total of 29 charge points within their administrative areas. As yet, Wicklow County Council has not made an official application for funding under this scheme.

Item	Count	Charging Stations	Charging Points*	Value (Total)
Applications Approved	3	19	29	€143,038
Applications Expired/Cancelled/Rejected	-	-		-
Applications Under Review	-	-		-
Total Applications	3	19	29	€143,038

*A charging station can be dual which results in two charge points being available for cars to use.

Driver Licences

Questions (43)

Michael McNamara

Question:

43. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated with a learner permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36659/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

All enquires relating to driver licensing, including the issuing of learner permits, are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to individual applications.

Coast Guard Service

Questions (44)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

44. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport the annual budget his Department allocated to organisations that save lives, for example, the Irish Coast Guard and the Naval Service and search and rescue services in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36672/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The main functions of the Irish Coast Guard are to provide a marine radio distress listening service and broadcast marine safety information, co-ordinate search and rescue in the Irish Search and Rescue region, intervene as necessary in marine casualties to prevent or minimise damage to the coastline and related interests, respond to vessels requesting a place of refuge, implement the Oil Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention regime in Ireland and provide a Maritime Assistance Service.

To carry out these functions, Coast Guard operates a Marine Rescue Coordination Centre at Dublin, Marine Rescue Sub Centres at Valentia and Malin for SAR coordination and maritime casualty response. Coast Guard has a contract with Canadian Helicopter Corporation to provide a SAR Helicopter service from 4 bases. Coast Guard also manages 44 Coast Guard Units comprising of almost 940 volunteers whose function is to carry out coastal search and in some locations cliff rescue and rescue boat service.

The overall allocations to the Irish Coast Guard over the last five years are as below.

Year	Irish Coast Guard Funding (€’000)
2020	76,475
2019	77,235
2018	74,004
2017	71,485
2016	70,085

Rail Network

Questions (45)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

45. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if a response will issue to correspondence in relation to Irish Rail (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36674/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for regulating fares charged by public transport and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Driver Licences

Questions (46)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

46. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if it is possible to renew a driver learner permit for a person (details supplied) whose driving test was cancelled due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36737/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

On 24 June, a 10 month extension to the validity period of learner permits was granted for learner permits with an expiry date between 1 March 2020 and 31 July 2021. This is in addition to previous extensions granted. The extension works as follows:

- Permits that expired between 1 March and 30 June 2020, previously extended by 8 months, will now be extended by a further 10 months, so 18 months in total.

- Permits that expired between 1 July and 31 October 2020, previously extended by 4 months, will now be extended by a further 10 months, so 14 months in total.

- Permits that expired or will expire between 1 November 2020 and 31 July 2021 will be extended for 10 months.

A new learner permit will not be issued, but the electronic driver record will be updated to reflect the new expiry date. Drivers can check the new expiry date of their learner permit by using the expiry date calculator on www.ndls.ie.

Insurance Coverage

Questions (47)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

47. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if there is any impediment preventing insurance companies renewing employer’s car insurance policies for employees living in Northern Ireland that are employed in Ireland holding Northern Irish driver licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36738/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

There are no provisions in the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended, obliging a motor insurer to decline to insure a resident of Northern Ireland who works in Ireland.

Policy holders may wish to contact Insurance Ireland at [e-mail] for information on whether any motor insurers are willing to provide insurance to a non-EU licence holder in the circumstances outlined.

Air Services

Questions (48)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

48. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the number of airline operators that have expressed an interest in the provision of the interim flight service for the Dublin to Donegal route; when he expects a decision will be made by his Department on the selected airline operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36739/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As the Deputy is aware, the restoration of regional connectivity is of critical importance to Government, and work to restore air services on this vital regional route was commenced as a matter of priority immediately after the announcement by Stobart on Saturday 12th June that it had ceased operations.

A Request for Quotes (RfQ) was issued by my Department on Monday 21 June, and the final deadline for receipt of submissions was Wednesday 30 June. As the Deputy will appreciate, until successful bidder(s) are announced, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any details pertaining to this procurement process.

That said, I do expect this process to be concluded shortly with a view to services re-commencing on the Dublin/Donegal route this month.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (49)

Joe O'Brien

Question:

49. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if citizens who have been fully vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines in a jurisdiction outside of the EU, for example, in the United States of America will be eligible to apply for the EU Digital COVID Certificate upon return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36749/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Arrangements for the production and issue of the EU Digital Covid Certificates are being progressed by the Department of Health, the HSE and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Questions on these matters should be addressed to the relevant Minister.

Banking Sector

Questions (50)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

50. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the high interest rates being charged by pillar banks in debt related repayment judgements; and if he has taken action to ensure that these interests are fair and do not add additional financial burden on those in debt repayment agreements with their banks. [36571/21]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland, have a role in prescribing or setting interest rates offered by banks. These are commercial matters and are the sole responsibility of the board and management of the banks, which must be run on an independent and commercial basis.

It is not entirely clear what the Deputy means when he refers to interest on ‘debt related repayment judgements.’ However, I will say in general terms that the interest rate charged by a creditor should be specified in the credit agreement, irrespective of the type of credit advanced.

In relation to mortgage debt, Provision 11 of the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) (which applies to the mortgage loan of a borrower which is secured by his/her primary residence) states that lenders are restricted from imposing charges and/or surcharge interest on arrears arising on a mortgage account in arrears to which the CCMA applies, unless the borrower is not co-operating.

For arrears not covered by the CCMA, the Consumer Protection Code sets out specific transparency requirements on interest rates and charges where arrears arise on loans (including credit cards) held by a personal consumer. Specifically, the Code requires regulated entities to disclose, on a dedicated section of its website, details on charges that may be imposed on personal consumers in arrears. In addition, the Code provides specific information to be provided to personal consumers where an account remains in arrears 31 calendar days after the arrears first arose. Such information includes the interest rate applicable to the arrears and details of any charges in relation to the arrears that may be applied.

Separately, if the Deputy is referring to the interest charged on judgment debt, this is governed by legislation under the remit of the Minister for Justice. The Courts Act 1981 (Interest on Judgment Debts) Order 2016 (S.I. No. 624/2016) concerns the rate of interest which applies to judgment debt (the amount a court has ordered the debtor to pay to a creditor) once a court order has been given against the debtor and applies until such time as the debt has been satisfied. It’s currently set at 2% per annum, having been reduced from 8%.

Gambling Sector

Questions (51, 52)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

51. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the situation regarding the collapse of a company (details supplied) and that many Irish persons have been affected by this collapse and have lost significant sums of money as a result; and the steps he will take to intervene in relation to same. [36617/21]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

52. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a public inquiry that has been called for in the UK over the collapse of a company (details supplied); and if his Department has examined a similar investigation in this jurisdiction. [36618/21]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.

The regulation of gambling in Ireland is primarily the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and is provided for under the Betting Act 1931.

Under that Act, any business which involves entering into bets with persons in Ireland by remote means must hold a Remote Bookmaker’s Licence. Revenue issues Remote Bookmakers’ Licences in accordance with provisions of the Act and collects Betting Duty from the operators concerned. Revenue’s role in this area is confined to that of a tax administration i.e. the collection of the relevant taxes and duties and the issue of the relevant excise licences on foot of:

- payment of the relevant excise licence fee,

- confirmation of tax clearance status by the applicant for a licence,

- confirmation that the applicant for a licence has a Certificate of Personal Fitness as provided for in section 5 of the Betting Act 1931.

A Certificate of Personal Fitness is a certificate indicating that an individual, or the relevant officers of a body corporate, is a fit and proper person to hold a Remote Bookmaker’s Licence. For applicants that reside in the State, the Certificate of Personal Fitness is issued by the superintendent of the Garda Siochána located where the applicant ordinarily resides. For applicants that reside outside of the state, the Certificate of Personal Fitness is issued by the Minister for Justice and queries in that regard should be addressed to my colleague.

The Minister for Justice may revoke a Certificate of Personal Fitness for stated reasons which are outlined in sections 5(C) and 6 of the Betting Act 1931. The Minister may also apply to the District Court for the revocation of a Remote Bookmakers Licence. In such instances Revenue will be informed of the revocation and will remove the relevant entry from the register. It is also open to a Court under section 17 of the Betting Act 1931 to direct that an operator be removed from the Register of Remote Bookmakers in cases of conviction for an offence under that Act.

The Deputy is asking about a specific entity which, it is understood, has had its licence from the UK Gambling Commission suspended and is currently in administration in relation to its trading activities in that jurisdiction. I am advised by Revenue that an entity trading under the same name is currently on the list of Remote Bookmaking Operations licensed in this State under the 1931 Act.

It will be for the UK courts alongside the administrators to resolve issues relating to the collapsed firm, including the potential for return of funds to affected consumers.

Finally, on a broader note, the Deputy may be interested to know that the Department of Justice is currently leading work on legislative proposals to comprehensively reform the regulation of gambling activities in Ireland and to provide for an independent Gambling Regulator.

Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 51.

Tax Code

Questions (53)

Brian Leddin

Question:

53. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Finance if he will address the anomaly in which an e-bike qualifies under the cycle to work scheme but an e-bike kit does not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36743/21]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

It is understood that the Deputy is referring to an e-bike conversion kit, which enables a push bike to be converted into an e-bike.

I am advised by Revenue that section 118 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that a charge to tax will generally arise where an employer provides a benefit to a director or employee.

The Cycle to Work scheme provides for an exemption from this charge to tax and allows an employer to purchase a bicycle and safety equipment for a director or employee without a taxable benefit-in-kind (BIK) arising. An employer may also enter a salary sacrifice arrangement under which an employee foregoes an agreed amount of their gross salary in exchange for a bicycle and related safety equipment.

Where a bicycle or safety equipment is being purchased under the Cycle to Work scheme or through a salary sacrifice arrangement, certain conditions must be met.

Among these conditions is the requirement that the bicycle must meet the definition of a ‘pedal cycle’. A ‘pedal cycle’ means:

- A bicycle or tricycle which is intended or adapted for propulsion solely by the physical exertions of a person or persons seated thereon, or

- A pedelec, being a bicycle or tricycle which is equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kilo-watts, of which output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the bicycle reaches a speed of 25 kilometres per hour, or sooner if the cyclist stops pedalling.

A ‘pedal cycle’ does not include a moped or a scooter.

In addition, only the following safety equipment is covered by the Cycle to Work scheme or salary sacrifice arrangements:

- Cycle helmets which conform to European standard EN 1078;

- Bells and bulb horns;

- Lights, including dynamo packs;

- Mirrors and mudguards to ensure riders visibility is not impaired;

- Cycle clips and dress guards;

- Panniers, luggage carriers and straps to allow luggage to be safely carried;

- Locks and chains to ensure bikes can be safely secured;

- Pumps, puncture repair kits, cycle tool kits and tyre sealant to allow for minor repairs; and

- Reflective clothing along with white front reflectors and spoke reflectors.

A number of additional conditions apply to both the Cycle to Work scheme and salary sacrifice arrangements, for example:

- Exemption Limits - as of 1 August 2020, the exemption provided under the Cycle to Work scheme applies to the first €1,250 expenditure incurred. A higher exemption limit of €1,500 applies in the case of the provision of an electric bike. Prior to August 2020, a single limit of €1,000 applied to all bicycle types. An employer may incur expenditure in excess of the above limits, and this does not preclude the employee or director from availing of the exemption, however any amount in excess of the relevant limits will be liable to tax. A salary sacrifice arrangement is subject to the same monetary limits.

- Time Limit - an employee or director can only avail of the Cycle to Work scheme once in any 4-year period, commencing with the date the employee is first provided with a bicycle or bicycle safety equipment. Prior to 1 August 2020 an employee or director could only avail of the Cycle to Work scheme once in any 5-year period. A salary sacrifice arrangement is subject to the same time limits and any salary sacrifice arrangement entered into must be completed within a 12-month period.

An e-bike conversion kit of the type referred to by the Deputy would not be covered by the Cycle to Work scheme or salary sacrifice arrangement as it does not meet the definition of a ‘pedal cycle’ and would not come within the other allowable expenditure category of ‘bicycle safety equipment’, as set out in the legislation.

The inclusion of such kits in the scheme would create an additional cost and that cost must be recovered elsewhere. For that reason, while the scheme is kept under review by officials, I have no plans at present to make such a change.

Further guidance regarding the Cycle to Work scheme and salary sacrifice arrangements can be found on Revenue’s website.

State Properties

Questions (54)

Pa Daly

Question:

54. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position in relation to the proposed disposal of the former Garda station at Brosna, County Kerry. [36585/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that all vacant properties, including any former Garda stations are disposed of in line with the OPW's policy on surplus property.

The policy is to firstly identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector. If there is no other State use identified for a property, the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer. If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW may consider community involvement. This would be subject to a detailed written submission, which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer.

As a matter of policy, no property or site is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use.

Following the recent announcement of additional funding by the Minister for Rural and Community Development for town and village renewal, the OPW wrote to Kerry County Council asking the Council if it wished to consider taking the property under lease and availing of the funding to transform these properties for community purposes.

To-date, the Council has not confirmed an interest in acquiring the property and, given that no alternative State use has been identified, the OPW is preparing the former Garda station at Brosna for disposal on the open market by public auction. This is planned to take place early in 2022, subject to developments relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (55)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

55. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when further information will be available on the future remote working policy for the public and Civil Service with particular reference to implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36644/21]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

You will be aware that the Government has committed in the Programme for Government to mandating public sector employers to move to 20% home and remote working by 2021. It is proposed that remote working in the Civil Service, post pandemic, will be facilitated on a blended basis, subject to roles being deemed as suitable to be carried out remotely. In this context, Officials in my Department have been working with employers across the Civil and Public Service to develop a Blended Working Policy Framework for the Civil Service, which focuses on the longer-term approach to remote working in the sector and to ensure a consistent approach is achieved throughout the public sector.

Blended working will change the way in which the civil and public service carries out its business and many complex issues, including legal issues, need to be considered. Given the complexities involved, I am sure you will agree that the development of the Framework should be afforded appropriate time in order for organisations to progress their own blended working policies.

When the draft of the Framework is completed with internal stakeholders, it will be shared with the relevant unions and my officials will commence engagement with them. When this engagement has concluded, Civil Service organisations will develop their own blended working policies which will then be implemented by them.

Public Sector Pay

Questions (56)

Michael Creed

Question:

56. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 237 and 247 of 17 June 2021, his views on whether the Government having previously unilaterally reduced pay in this area must also by consequence have the entitlement to increase remuneration in this area; and if clarification will be provided in relation his previous reply in this context. [36664/21]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has been actively engaging with key stakeholders in relation to this matter including The Bar of Ireland, the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Justice. My Department sought evidence from these stakeholders that would support claims of significant recruitment and retention issues that may potentially adversely impact the administration of justice. While my Department has not yet been provided with data to support such claims, it remains available to review any further information that may be provided.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (57)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

57. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a scheme (details supplied) will be supported in order to help businesses, local clubs and community organisations re-establish their customer base following the sustained closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36748/21]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

These are matters which fall under the responsibilities of the the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has no operational or policy responsibility to devise schemes for businesses, clubs or community organisations.

Covid-19 Pandemic

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.

Sports Funding

Questions (59)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

59. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there is financial assistance available for a person (details supplied) to help with the costs of travel to a competition in Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36584/21]

Written answers

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

Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for clubs or individuals but channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGB). There is no mechanism by which Sport Ireland can allocate funding outside of this process.

At present, there is no recognised NGB in Ireland specifically for mixed martial arts. The Irish Martial Arts Commission (IMAC) is the recognised NGB for martial arts. Sport Ireland has been engaging with the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association (IMMAA) since 2016 around the development of a relationship between both parties and will continue to do so going forward. In April 2021, Sport Ireland undertook to recommence the work of a Mixed Martial Arts Working Group which was established as part of this process and which included decision makers from both IMMAA and IMAC along with an independent chair and an independent facilitator. All parties have agreed to take part in this process.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (60)

Seán Haughey

Question:

60. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if indoor summer art camps for children taking place in local community centres are permitted at this time given the position concerning Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36707/21]

Written answers

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The government continues to follow its plan to review and monitor the control of the virus and follow the prevailing public health advice in support of a safe and gradual reopening, in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead.

Indoor activities, such as organised events including summer camps, group training, exercise and dance are not currently permitted but the Government is keeping all matters under constant review and will make further decisions in relation to indoor activities in due course following updated health advice, consideration and consultation with relevant sectors.

The Government recognises that this is a difficult decision for many sectors, and particularly for so many businesses which had believed they would be able to open this week.

Detailed Information and updates may be accessed on the gov.ie website at the following link;

www.gov.ie/en/press-release/7894b-post-cabinet-statement-resilience-and-recovery-the-path-ahead/.