The Roadmap announced by Government on 1st May sets out the phases of reopening of the economy and society. The primary considerations in drawing up this Roadmap were public health concerns. The input and advice of National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) informed Government that the steps laid out in the Roadmap were the right steps to take at this time.
My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
The Roadmap is a living document and Government has the ability to change its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.
As set out in the Roadmap document, the measures for Phase 4 are only an indication of what might happen if everything goes well with restricting the spread of COVID-19 in Ireland. They will only come into effect when the National Public Health Emergency Team says that the conditions are right for more relaxation of the restrictions in place to protect us all.
It is not possible at this time to predict what the limitation on group sizes will be in November and December and this will be reviewed closer to the time and in accordance with the over-riding principles set out in the Roadmap.
I understand that there is ongoing engagement by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with Fáilte Ireland and representatives of the hospitality sector for the purpose of addressing the challenges currently posed by COVID-19 for that sector. The outputs from those discussions will also inform any decisions to be taken by Government in relation to the convening of large gatherings in hotels in the context of the Government's Roadmap.
