Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
230. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason underage soccer players have been advised that they are unable to return to training and matches while in level 3 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42919/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the current level 3 restrictions it has been decided that the FAI Elite U19 and U17 Leagues for young women and men will be permitted to conclude their seasons. My Department has been assured by the FAI that the protocols and control measures applied for training and matches for these teams are equivalent to those applied for the senior teams. My Department is also satisfied that robust compliance structures are in place to ensure adherence to these protocols.
It is regrettable that at this time, it is not possible to permit a broader return to competition, but the current Level 3 restrictions are clear that matches and competitive sporting events are not permitted except for professional and elite sportspeople. This is in recognition of the need to limit insofar as possible person-to-person contact to prevent transmission of COVID-19. The protocols applied for elite sports training and competition are aligned with international best practice and have been developed in consultation with the Expert Group on the Return to Sport. It is unfortunately not feasible for every sporting body to apply such rigorous COVID-19 protocols. Neither is it possible to apply them at every level of competition, whether in a club or school.
Under the current restrictions, clubs including soccer clubs, can engage in non-contact training outside in pods of up to 15. My Department and Sport Ireland are engaging with the Football Association of Ireland and other sporting bodies to inform a review of the measures currently in place for sporting activity, which will be considered by Government early in the New Year. The issue of resuming competitions and leagues will form part of the review.
