Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Ceisteanna (504)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

504. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons involved in power lifting have won dozens of world and European champions titles in addition to competing at professionals level; if power lifting is considered an elite sport which can continue under level 5 restrictions in particular for athletes that have represented Ireland at international level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32944/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

In line with the Government-approved “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19” all gyms and fitness and training centres must close under level 5. Restrictions are in place in respect of competitive and training events, as set out in the relevant public health regulations, the Health Act 1947 (Section 31 A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020, S.I. No. 448 of 2020. As per section 11 (3) of the regulations, the exemption from restrictions on training activity only applies to professional sportspeople, inter-county Gaelic games teams and high performance athletes and teams recognised and supported by Sport Ireland.

Sport Ireland does not recognise, or provide funding to, a national governing body for powerlifting in Ireland. Accordingly, as powerlifting cannot be considered an elite sport within the meaning of the public health regulations, it is not permitted for training in powerlifting to continue under the Level 5 restrictions.