Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
204. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to correspondence from an association (details supplied); and if she has consulted the Minister for Health and the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET, regarding same. [7963/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the correspondence to which the Deputy refers. The resumption of such sporting activity is a matter for decision by the Government, which affords all Ministers the opportunity to air their views including my colleague the Minister for Health. The Government's clear message at the present time is for people to stay in their homes, unless necessary for those essential reasons set out in the public health regulations.
I have an ongoing dialogue with the National Governing Bodies of sport, including the sport referred to in the correspondence, through the Sports Monitoring Group. I have also actively sought the views of sporting bodies in regard to how to conduct sport safely. In December 2020, I wrote to all National Governing Bodies seeking submissions on what key modifications, in particular to Level 3 of the Government Framework, can be safely introduced to bring the most benefit to sport. The sector has welcomed this engagement and to date a total of 44 submissions have been received from sporting bodies. Review and analysis of these submissions is currently underway.
