Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
57. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the reason for removing spectators from the matches of an association (details supplied), notwithstanding the controlled measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 implemented at such matches in line with public health guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23682/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to begin by saying that I fully appreciate the vital role played by the GAA in respect of the health and wellbeing of communities the length and breadth of the country. The GAA is at the very heart of our community and the decision taken by the Government on the 18 August that all sporting events take place behind closed doors, is not in any way a reflection on the quality of the GAA’s facilities or the protocols put in place by the GAA to ensure the safety of the players, officials and the general public.
The overall Government approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic is guided by the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). As society and the economy have begun to open up, there has been a gradual change in the epidemiological situation across the country, and the NPHET advised the Government that a cautious but measured approach be taken.
In this regard, the NPHET recommended that all sporting events can continue to take place but behind closed doors. It is also advised that participants should practice 2 metre physical distancing before and after events, during breaks in play, on the side-lines and team huddles should be avoided. All necessary measures to comply with child protection still apply.
I have been informed by the NPHET that their concerns are not just around the risk associated with attendance at the games themselves, but also the risk of the spread of infection associated with people travelling to and gathering in different ways both before and after events that must be considered.
I can assure the Deputy therefore that the issue is not about spectators at matches, and it is not about targeting these restrictions at any cohort or sporting organisation in particular. We have had cases in clusters linked to sporting activities, but of more concern is the number of contacts of cases that have had to be followed up as a result of socialisation around sporting activity, house parties, other social engagements and car sharing.
The Deputy is correct when he states that the risk of transmission of the virus is lower outdoors, but it still exists, and the purpose of these measures is to prevent indoor and outdoor congregation, particularly where people from different households are mixing in a way that would spread the virus between households.
It is of critical importance that a low level of community transmission be maintained in order to ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in our society and to protect the priorities of our essential societal services, such as education and health and social care services. By protecting these essential parts of our economy and society, we are also ensuring that sporting activity can continue for all.
