I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Government recently agreed 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.
Any decision on the further lifting of restrictions, and its timing, is a matter for Government and not for individual Ministerial decision.