Brendan Griffin
Question:970. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide clarification regarding weddings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41449/21]
View answerThursday, 9 September 2021
Questions (970, 972, 1001, 1002)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:972. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to increase the numbers permitted to attend wedding ceremonies; if it is intended that the Health Amendment (No. 2) Act 2021 will apply to wedding receptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41451/21]
View answer
Gino Kenny
Question:1001. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the restrictions that will be proposed or in place for weddings over the next few months given that couples planning weddings need details to plan around for the day and are concerned about postponing weddings again. [41524/21]
View answer
James Lawless
Question:1002. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of guests to be allowed at a wedding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41526/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 970, 972, 1001 and 1002 together.
As outlined in COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, which was announced by Government on 31 August, there will be no change to the current limit of 100 guests at weddings before 22 October. Guidance on weddings can be found here: https://failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Hotels-and-Guesthouses.pdf
Based on the criteria of at or close to 90% of people 16 or over being fully vaccinated in the coming weeks and having regard to the incidence and behaviour of the disease at that time, from 22 October onwards, restrictions will be lifted including restrictions on religious and civil ceremonies and limits on numbers at indoor and outdoor events and activities.
Since the onset of the pandemic, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland due to the huge effort of people across the country. Thanks to the hard work of the Irish people and the progress of our vaccination programme, we are now entering a new phase in the management of the pandemic. As our approach to the management of COVID-19 transitions from population wide restrictions to guidance we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours, including in relation to self-isolation and restricting movements when advised, observing good respiratory and hand hygiene, physical distancing and mask wearing when appropriate.
COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting can be found online: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f5291-post-cabinet-statement-covid-19-reframing-the-challenge-continuing-our-recovery-and-reconnecting/