Written Answers Nos. 487-504
487. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has given consideration to deeming leisure and fitness facilities essential businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32291/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the current epidemiological situation with high incidence of disease, widespread community transmission, and growing hospitalisations and deaths, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of the disease and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue. Unfortunately, this means minimising discretionary activities such as going to leisure and fitness facilities and there are no plans to deem leisure and fitness facilities as essential services.
The Government fully understands the benefits that such facilities provide to peoples overall health and well-being and understands how difficult the public health measures are for individuals and businesses. The measures in place to suppress the disease transmission are intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising and protecting some activities over others. Such activities include health and social care services, education and other essential needs, work and economic activity, and other key societal interests (in so far as possible) such as sports and important family gatherings.
Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are “baskets” of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
The Government is aware of the impacts COVID-19 and the related public health measures are having on our mental health and well-being. The “Keep Well” campaign, launched on 29th October, is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. It provides guidelines, information, and tips on things that will help us keep well through the coming months. Relevant information is this regard is available on gov.ie/healthyireland.
488. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider reviewing the national framework for living with Covid-19 level 5 restrictions to allow for pools and gyms to reopen on a limited basis which would have mental and physical health benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32424/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Government-approved “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19” gyms and swimming pools, as with all other indoor sports facilities, must close under level 5. The only facilities not covered by this requirement are those set out in the public health regulations concerned. There are no plans to amend the current public health regulations as suggested by the Deputy.
Given the current epidemiological situation with high incidence of disease, widespread community transmission, and growing hospitalisations and deaths, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of the disease and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue. Unfortunately, this means minimising discretionary activities such as going to the gym or to swimming pools.
The Government fully understands the benefits that such facilities provide to peoples overall health and well-being and understands how difficult the public health measures are for individuals and businesses. The measures in place to suppress the disease transmission are intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising and protecting some activities over others. Such activities include health and social care services, education and other essential needs, work and economic activity, and other key societal interests (in so far as possible) such as sports and important family gatherings.
Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are “baskets” of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
The Government is aware of the impacts COVID-19 and the related public health measures are having on our mental health and well-being. The “Keep Well” campaign, launched on 29th October, is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. It provides guidelines, information, and tips on things that will help us keep well through the coming months. Relevant information is this regard is available on gov.ie/healthyireland.
489. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if any of the €50 million allocated to the live events sector will be allocated specifically to help the trade show and exhibition sector. [32439/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra524. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the criteria for qualification to the now extended live performance scheme whose fund has been provided through the budget, amounting in €50 million; the person or body that will decide on eligibility; the person or body that will administer same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32541/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra527. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding available to musicians as announced in budget 2021; the process to access the funding and closing dates for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32618/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra542. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has raised the issue of live events businesses not being eligible for the Covid restrictions support scheme due to their lack of business premises with the Minister for Finance or the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; the steps she suggests to ensure live events businesses are not disadvantaged by this ineligibility and can survive while restrictions prohibit the holding of live events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33204/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 489, 524, 527 and 542 together.
In Budget 2021, the Government announced the provision of support for live entertainment in the amount of €50m. This will include measures for the commercial entertainment sector and will support live entertainment across the country. The 2021 supports for the live entertainment sector will be the subject of further consultation with stakeholders. It will also build on, and be informed by, the pilot live performance scheme in 2020 which is being rolled out now. The pilot scheme was available to promoters whether or not they owned their own premises. There will be further supports for music, building on the very significant demand for support under the Music Scheme operated by First Music Contact. Combined with measures announced by the Minister for Finance, this will provide additional supports to a sector severely impacted by COVID-19.
These measures are in addition to other supports common to other or all sectors including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, restart grants, exemptions from commercial rates, the warehousing of tax liabilities, and the reduction in VAT on ticket sales. In addition, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is available to all employees and the self-employed who have lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are also a range of schemes available including the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme which offers loans from €10,000 to €1 million, for terms of up to five and a half years, and COVID-19 Business Loans of up to €25,000 which are available through Microfinance Ireland with zero repayments and zero interest for the first 6 months and the equivalent of an additional 6 months interest-free subject to certain terms and conditions.
Details of all of these supports are available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/ .
490. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to change the rules of the RTÉ pension scheme or similar schemes in view of fears that there may be an effective €30 million or €500,000 per annum raid of assets of the pension savings of retired RTÉ employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32473/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I have responsibility for the governance of RTÉ to ensure the company is fully compliant with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State bodies and the governance functions included in the legislative and regulatory framework for broadcasting.
The RTÉ Superannuation Scheme is a funded, contributory defined benefit scheme, established under legislation and sponsored by RTÉ. The scheme is managed by a board of trustees who have responsibility for overseeing the schemes’ operations, including the investment of the schemes’ assets.
With regard to the specifics of your question concerning planned changes to the rules of the RTÉ pension scheme and arrangements, and the annual administration fees pertaining to the RTÉ Superannuation Scheme I can confirm that the matter is under consideration and my Department is consulting with NewEra and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the matter. No final decision has been made at this time.
491. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason and evidence used in the decision to close gyms under level 5 restrictions. [32552/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra494. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has given consideration to excluding gyms from restrictions in view of the important role they play in mental physical health and wellness; the reason for this decision; and the evidence for not excluding gyms. [32631/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra495. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the data behind the decision to close gyms and fitness centres under level 5 restrictions; the impact of gyms on the R number; the potential reduction in the R number through the application of gym closures; the number of Covid-19 cases linked to gyms; the location of the gyms by county; and the general data which informed the decision to close down gyms. [32726/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra496. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the impact of the closure of gyms and fitness centres on mental health was considered when the decision was made to close all gyms and fitness centres under level 5 restrictions. [32727/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra498. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if gyms that provide for minimum attendees and appointment only sessions can reopen with strict social distancing and hygiene guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32749/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra500. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the process by which gyms could remain open and facilitate individual training [32834/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra506. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the evidence and decision-making process employed when deciding to close gyms under level 5 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33019/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra510. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if activities such as individual training in gyms will be reviewed under level 5 restrictions in order to allow persons to get much needed physical activity for mental health and well-being reasons; if she will be engaging with an organisation (details supplied) in respect of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33089/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 491, 494, 495, 496, 498, 500, 506 and 510 together.
In line with the Government-approved “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19” gyms, fitness and leisure facilities, as with all other indoor sports facilities, must close under level 5. The only facilities not covered by this requirement are those set out in the public health regulations concerned. Given the prevailing incidence of covid in the community generally, there are no plans to alter the current Level 5 measures for these facilities.
The Framework for Restrictive Measures is a risk management strategy designed to allow individuals, families, businesses and services better understand, anticipate and prepare for the measures Government might introduce to stop escalation of the transmission of the disease.
It is framed to account for periods where there is low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters, low community transmission, through to situations where there is high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. Notwithstanding the emergence of some encouraging trends in recent days, the latter is clearly the position currently pertaining in Ireland, in common with many other countries and relaxation of current measures is not envisaged in current circumstances.
The Government’s strategy, in line with the public health advice, is disease suppression. COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. The risk of infection spread is greater in certain environments than others e.g. uncontrolled environments, crowded and noisy places, indoor environments, poorly ventilated spaces. A range of public health measures and guidance is in place to help prevent transmission.
The framework takes account of the societal and economic impacts of the response to COVID-19. Nuanced and sectoral responses are in place to ensure the number of people impacted will be kept to the minimum necessary to control the disease given the psycho-social impacts of the disease on the population.
Given the current epidemiological situation with high incidence of disease, widespread community transmission, and growing hospitalisations and deaths, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of the disease and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue. Unfortunately, this means minimising discretionary activities including the vast majority of sporting activities and the use of gyms and other leisure centres.
While the Government fully understands the benefits that facilities such as those provided in gyms, leisure centres and through exercise classes generally bring to peoples overall health and well-being, the measures in place to suppress the disease transmission are intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising and protecting some activities over others. Such activities include health and social care services, education and other essential needs, work and economic activity, and other key societal interests such as sports and important family gatherings.
Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are “baskets” of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
The Government is fully aware of the impacts that COVID-19 and the related public health measures are having on our mental health and well-being. The “Keep Well” campaign, launched on 29th October, is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. It provides guidelines, information, and tips on things that will help us keep well through the coming months. Information in this regard in available on gov.ie/healthyireland.
It is also appropriate to emphasise that Sport Ireland, an agency under my Department, is leading a series of initiatives that will support people to stay active in their own local areas throughout the winter. The Local Sports Partnerships especially can play a key role in assisting local communities and groups to keep active during these challenging and difficult times. Information on contacts and the range of initiatives being pursued is available on Sport Ireland's website.
492. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if music schools will be able to operate under the level 5 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32569/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra514. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if consideration has been given to allowing individual music lessons outside of school to be held in person for levels 3 and 4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33430/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra517. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if clarity will be provided relating to the stated concerns (details supplied) of private and community music and drama schools; his views on their request to parity relating to the Plan for Living with Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33634/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra523. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if individual dance classes can proceed under level 5. [32532/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra525. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the guidelines for teaching of music within a group and individual setting respectively under level 5 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32568/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra537. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if extracurricular music education classes are allowed to continue during level 5 restrictions; if she will provide details on the guidelines relating to musical education under level 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33190/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra544. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of community music and drama schools under level 5 of the Plan for Living with Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33238/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra547. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reasoning behind commercial music and drama teachers being prevented from teaching even on a one to one basis during level 5 restrictions when a person that is funded by the local authority can teach groups of up to six; if her attention has been drawn to the discrimination this creates against the commercial and private operators as compared to the publicly funded sector; if she will address the anomaly that exists in the guidelines that have issued for the performing arts education sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33339/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra548. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason students cannot be taught under level 5 restrictions even though the schools are open in relation to the commercial and private teachers that teach students preparing for the music practical component of the junior cycle, music and leaving certificate music examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33340/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra556. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding level 5 Covid-19 restrictions and music education in particular the requirement for music instruction to follow the guidelines for youth work; her views on the communication from her Department that such music instruction cannot resume under levels 3 or 4 lockdown; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that much of this instruction is conducted on a one-to-one basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33878/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 492, 514, 517, 523, 525, 537, 544, 547, 548 and 556 together.
The Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020. Until 1 December, Ireland is at Level 5 of the Plan. Under this level the public health risk means that we are all being asked to stay at home, with certain exceptions. Information on the public health measures in currently in place in relation to the different Levels can be found at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.8) Regulations 2020, which give effect to the level 5 restrictions under the Plan, provide the list of essential retail and essential services which may operate under level 5 restrictions. This list does not include private or commercial music, drama or dance classes.
Education is, however, considered an essential service under the regulations. Under Part 2 of the schedule to the regulations, essential education encompasses primary and post-primary schools, and higher and further education where remote learning is not possible. Where a service provider considers that they fall into the essential education category e.g. as part of the national curriculum or as part of a specific, state-sponsored course of study, they should refer to the Department of Education’s guidance in relation to the operation of education services under Level 5 restrictions.
https://www.education.ie/en/covid-19/
Separately, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has published guidance to support the funded youth work sector. Where a service provider meets the definition of youth work, as defined under Section 3 of the Youth Work Act 2001 and is part of the state funded youth work sector, they should refer to that Department’s guidance.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/58393-guidance-for-youth-organisations-on-resuming-full-services-after-covid-19/
493. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if gyms and swimming pools can remain open for the duration of level 5 restrictions in view of the vital service for both mental and physical health they provide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32586/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Government-approved “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19” gyms and swimming pools, as with all other indoor sports facilities, must close under level 5. The only facilities not covered by this requirement are those set out in the public health regulations concerned.
The Government has no plans to amend the current public health regulations as suggested by the Deputy.
Given the current epidemiological situation with high incidence of disease, widespread community transmission, and growing hospitalisations and deaths, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of the disease and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue. Unfortunately, this means minimising discretionary activities such as going to the gym or to swimming clubs.
The Government fully understands the benefits that such facilities provide to peoples overall health and well-being and understands how difficult the public health measures are for individuals and businesses. The measures in place to suppress the disease transmission are intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising and protecting some activities over others. Such activities include health and social care services, education and other essential needs, work and economic activity, and other key societal interests (in so far as possible) such as sports and important family gatherings.
Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are “baskets” of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
The Government is aware of the impacts COVID-19 and the related public health measures are having on our mental health and well-being. The “Keep Well” campaign, launched on 29th October, is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. It provides guidelines, information, and tips on things that will help us keep well through the coming months. Relevant information is this regard is available on gov.ie/healthyireland.
497. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if under level 5 restrictions a qualified strength and conditioning coach that operates a personal training facility can continue to offer personal training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32729/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder level 5 of the Government's “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19”, only individual training outdoors is permitted. Indoor sports, gym or training facilities are not permitted to open for personal training purposes, aside from the specific exempted athletes as outlined in the public health regulations.
499. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position regarding a practice (details supplied) and the current Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32797/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Government-approved “Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19” only individual outdoor training is permitted under level 5. One-to-one personal exercise training is not therefore permitted either indoors or outdoors.
501. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress of the proposed national velodrome at Abbotstown, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32891/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the development of the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus at Abbotstown.
The National Development Plan 2018-2027 included a commitment to develop a National Velodrome and Badminton Centre at the National Sports Campus in 2020 and 2021. The proposal at that time comprised a 250-metre cycling track, 12-16 Badminton Courts in the in-track area, spectator seating and ancillary facilities including office space.
A review of the original design scheme for the project was undertaken by Sport Ireland in 2019 to assess the suitability and fitness of the design for present and future purposes. The review, which was completed in October 2019, proposed a number of design changes.
Sport Ireland submitted a revised business case for the project to my Department in May 2020. This is currently being examined by my officials in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.
Any decision on this project will be subject to Ministerial approval and the availability of funding.
502. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider the requests of the Irish Gold Tour Operators Association for direct and immediate government supports in the golf tourism sector, in the region of €5 million in order that many of the 16 IGTOA companies will survive and not have to cease trading, as this would have a catastrophic effect on the inbound tourism industry that needs to retain its resources in order to facilitate the return of this high value sector of the industry in 2022 and beyond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32910/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2021 included a number of further substantial measures to support and strengthen the tourism sector and are supplemented by the economy-wide business supports and social welfare measures. A key measure was the provision of an additional €55m in Business Continuity funding tosupport strategic tourism businesses. This funding will be administered by Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for any further information in this regard. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
503. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if gyms will be deemed an essential service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32930/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the current epidemiological situation with high incidence of disease, widespread community transmission, and growing hospitalisations and deaths, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of the disease and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue. Unfortunately, this means minimising discretionary activities such as going to the gym or to personal training centres and there are no plans to deem gyms and personal training centres as essential services.
The Government fully understands the benefits that gyms and exercise classes bring to peoples overall health and well-being and understands how difficult the public health measures are for individuals and businesses. The measures in place to suppress the disease transmission are intended to minimise the risks to public health while striking the right balance in prioritising and protecting some activities over others. Such activities include health and social care services, education and other essential needs, work and economic activity, and other key societal interests (in so far as possible) such as sports and important family gatherings.
Each level of the framework contains a “basket” of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The set of measures, individually, do not comprise a list of activities or places which are equally safe. Instead, they are “baskets” of measures which are informed by public health understanding of the disease. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
The Government is aware of the impacts COVID-19 and the related public health measures are having on our mental health and well-being. The “Keep Well” campaign, launched on 29th October, is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. It provides guidelines, information, and tips on things that will help us keep well through the coming months. Relevant information is this regard is available on gov.ie/healthyireland.
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]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
