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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Ceisteanna (980, 1337, 1387, 1390)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

980. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason Irish dancing lessons and similar cultural pursuits for young persons are restricted to five students maximum regardless of venue in view of the fact 50 persons can congregate in gyms and school classrooms of more than 30 students face no such restrictions; the action she plans to take to ensure the survival and success of Irish dancing through the Covid-19 pandemic. [22283/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

1337. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the regulation for holding an Irish dance lesson; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22179/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

1387. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if organised sports training within indoor facilities can do so in multiple pods of six; if there is a limit of six on the total number of attendees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22517/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

1390. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if dance classes and performing arts activities can take place in community centres in cases in which children can operate in classes in pods of six or more in circumstances in which they are socially distanced and the pods are at least three meters apart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22545/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 980, 1337, 1387 and 1390 together.

You will be aware that the situation regarding COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, an evolving situation. COVID-19 is still having a major impact both here in Ireland and elsewhere. The measures in place and the public health advice have been adapted to the changing circumstances and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.

Progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.

The public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and it provides advice to Government in line with the current epidemiological position. The latest public health advice on these matters is available at the links below and is updated on a regular basis:

https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health/

https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

https://www.gov.ie/en/

The recently introduced regulations [(S.I. 326 of 2020) Health Act 1947 (Section 31a – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020], which state that events being organised indoors may have no more than 6 attendees apply to social, recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment and community events. Additional guidance has been provided in relation to activities such as exercise, sports training, dance and drama classes. These activities should be limited to 6 people and observe physical distancing rules. Multiple pods of up to 6 people in each may operate if sufficient space is available and strict public health protocols are in place. There should be no mixing between groups. Sport Ireland guidance also applies here: https://www.sportireland.ie/news/sport-ireland-issues-practical-guidance-for-sport-on-covid-19-measures

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