Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
341. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the UEFA European Football Championship games planned in June 2021 in Ireland will proceed with spectators' present. [21240/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra342. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps being taken to ensure that the UEFA European Football Championship games planned for June 2021 in Ireland will proceed; and if it is planned to implement a report (details supplied) rapid Covid-19 testing to facilitate the attendance of spectators. [21241/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 342 together.
All partners of the EURO 2020 Local Organising Structure in Dublin - Government, the FAI, Aviva Stadium and Dublin City Council - recognised the challenges presented by spectator attendance at Aviva Stadium for the scheduled hosting of the four matches and that public health issues were the most important consideration in that regard.
The Football Association of Ireland, on advice and guidance from the Department, on 7 April notified UEFA that owing to the COVID-19 pandemic it was not in a position to provide assurances on minimum spectator levels at the UEFA EURO 2020 matches which were due to be held in Dublin in June.
Following a meeting of their Executive Committee on 23rd April UEFA confirmed that the four games which Dublin had been due to host have been moved to St. Petersburg and London.
While this decision is disappointing it is not unexpected given UEFA's stated desire to have fans present at the postponed EURO 2020 tournament. It is anticipated that the experience and expertise developed in planning for these games, as well as the improvements made to the Aviva Stadium, will place us in good stead to host future significant fixtures.
