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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020

Tuesday, 7 July 2020

Ceisteanna (678)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

678. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if he will consider relaxing the 50 persons restriction for churches that are able to accommodate more persons while maintaining the 2 m social distance in view of the fact many churches are quite large and can comfortably accommodate more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13781/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, 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 in Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business. On Thursday 25th June the Government confirmed the move to Phase 3 of the Roadmap from Monday, 29 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 3 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/

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. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.

As the Deputy will be aware, religious buildings and places of worship may now be reopened, in line with public health guidelines. The Government previously decided to exempt places of worship from the regulations restricting numbers on mass gatherings. The exemption applies to places of worship only and not to any gatherings that may take place after the religious ceremony such as wedding receptions.

Covid-19 Guidance has also been developed for religious services. The new Government’s Cabinet Committee on Ireland’s Covid-19 response has reviewed the guidance, which states that an assessment should be carried out for each premises to determine how many can attend within the requirements of social distancing.

The Cabinet Committee decided that where the size of the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted only where:

- Social distancing guidelines are adhered to

- The premises can be subdivided into distinct sections (cordoned or marked appropriately) of not more than 50 persons in each section

- There is a minimum of 4m between sections

- Each section having its own entrance/exit route

- There are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, e.g. the distribution of Holy Communion

- Strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service

- The premises is well-ventilated.

Account must also be taken regarding the risk of congregation by people outside before and after any services, having regard to outdoor overall limits on mass gatherings and arrangements for staggered exiting after ceremonies

The use of face coverings is strongly recommended for such indoor settings.

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