Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
298. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to scale up and increase attendances at outdoor sports and cultural events following the recent successful pilot live events: when an updated plan will be published for July, August and September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37201/21]
View answerFrom 5 July the numbers permitted at outdoor organised events have increased 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. As part of the Government's phase plan for reopening our economy and society, we will again consider COVID-19 restrictions before the 19th of July.
COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, which spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. In certain settings, such as live performances and sporting events, higher noise levels, can force people into close proximity or require them to raise their voices or shout to communicate thus increasing the risk of spreading virus to others. Such activities present a higher risk of transmission of COVID-19.
As such, our approach to easing restrictions must continue to be cautious, gradual and phased, 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 and sustained 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.
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 have allowed the cultural and sports sector to put in place the necessary safety measures and have allowed for the safe return of spectators. These pilots are, subject to public health conditions, paving the way for greater attendances later in July and August.
I remain firmly committed to the full return of all live events at the earliest possible date, having regard to public health developments, and the pilot performances and sporting events, together with a wide range of horizontal and direct supports for the sector, are all part of a suite of measures designed to sustain and support the sector in its recovery.
