Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:400. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if guidance can be provided to cinemas as to when they can officially reopen. [12464/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 June 2020
Ceisteanna (400, 534)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:534. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when cinemas will be allowed to reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12463/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 534 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government confirmed the move to Phase 2 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 8 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 2 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/7ae99f-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-june-8-phase-2/
The Government also agreed to bring forward actions in the remaining phases of the Roadmap and plan for four phases rather than the five originally indicated. On 19 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place when Phase 3 is introduced on 29 June 2020. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap
The Deputy may wish to note that cinemas are included in these measures and may reopen subject to the Phase 3 and 4 restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice. The specific requirements can be found on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf#page=7.
I would also wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the Return to Work Safely Protocol which was published by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation on Saturday 9 May last. This detailed guidance document was developed to assist employers and employees in the coming period and is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html The Protocol is mandatory, and it applies to all workplaces right across the economy. Specific sectors may need to introduce additional safeguards, but this document sets the standard set of measures required in every workplace.