Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 November 2020
88. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the timeline for the publishing of the updated level 3 and level 4 guidelines for indoor training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35571/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Resilience and Recovery Plan 2020-2021 provides for indoor individual training only in Levels 3 and 4. It also states explicitly that there should be no exercise or dance classes in these levels. The Plan also states that gyms and leisure centres are not permitted to open in Level 4 restrictions.
While I am pleased to note that that COVID-19 data indicates improvements across a range of indicators, which gives us hope that the epidemiological situation is once again coming under control, it is too early at this point to consider the easing of restrictions. The current Level 5 restrictions will continue until 2 December.
The draft guidance to which the Deputy refers was developed by the Expert Group on the Return to Sport, which was established by my Department in May 2020. Guidance in draft form has been shared with other relevant Departments. Following completion of the consultation process, it is my expectation that this guidance can be published in the near future, in sufficient time for its application under the appropriate level of the Government’s Resilience and Recovery plan.
