Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021

Tuesday, 9 November 2021

Questions (295, 299, 300, 302, 306)

Emer Higgins

Question:

295. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if clarification will be provided in relation to the recent Sport Ireland guidelines that exclude persons under 18 years of age who are unvaccinated against Covid-19 from participating in basketball training and or games; her views on these guidelines given that the Covid-19 vaccine is not available to those under 12 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53957/21]

Richard O'Donoghue

Question:

299. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason persons under 18 years of age are unable to play basketball if they are unvaccinated. [53993/21]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

300. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to sports clubs or organisations which are excluding children from certain activities or restricting their participation on the basis of their vaccination status or that of their parents; and if this is in line with her Department’s policy for children’s participation in sport. [54016/21]

Willie O'Dea

Question:

302. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason only persons with a valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate are allowed to take part in any basketball competitions and games; the reason she has allowed children to miss out on their preferred sport due to a discriminatory policy in relation to the vaccine status of a child; if she will issue a clarification on the issue and ensure that all children are treated the same regardless of their vaccine status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54111/21]

Mattie McGrath

Question:

306. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position relating to the requirement for Covid-19 vaccination passports for participation in underage team sports; if he will direct all national sporting organisations to ensure that no child is discriminated against and prevented from participating in their chosen sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54189/21]

Written answers

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 295, 299, 300, 302 and 306 together.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Government agreed last week to widen the range of sporting opportunities for young people which enables under 18 indoor sports games and competitions in sports such as basketball to go ahead. On foot of this, updated guidance has been provided by Sport Ireland to sporting organisations to allow children under 18 years of age to participate in indoor games and competition activities according to the ordinary rules and limits of the sport concerned. The full guidance can be accessed on the Sport Ireland website at:

www.sportireland.ie/covid19/return-to-sport-and-physical-activity