Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
872. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to implement the recommendations of a report (details supplied) on Covid-19 rapid testing in respect of the graduated return of spectators to sport. [21234/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra873. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if regulations will be amended to permit the return of 2,000 antigen tested spectators to the RDS on 15 May 2021 for a rugby match in accordance with the findings of a report (details supplied). [21235/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra874. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if it is planned to permit a branch of an organization (details supplied) to allow 2,000 antigen tested spectators living within a 20km range of a stadium into the stadium on 15 May 2021 for a match as part of the graduated return of spectators to sport. [21236/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra875. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if it will be acknowledged that the antigen testing proposed by an organisation (details supplied) that will take place in advance of the rugby match that will take place on 15 May 2021 is compatible with the recommendations within the on a report on Covid-19 rapid testing. [21237/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 872, 873, 874 and 875 together.
The “Report of the COVID-19 Rapid Testing Group” was chaired at my request by the Government’s chief scientific adviser, Professor Mark Ferguson, and published on 1 April 2021.The report made a number of recommendations for sectors outside the health sector, including sport. These are a matter for the Ministers and Departments with responsibility for the sectors concerned.
The event described must also be considered at this time in the context of the Level 5 restrictive measures which currently remain in place. Any measures introduced at any level of the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – the Path Ahead are aimed at limiting the spread and damage of COVID-19 and are necessary to protect our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
The Government announced a slight easing of restrictions from 12 April in recognition of the significant impact that the extended period of Level 5 restrictions is having on people. The focus of this easing of measures is on enabling more outdoor activities in order to improve the health and wellbeing of society. The situation will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation, the impact of the reopening of priority services, and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The NPHET and the Government will consider the position again at the end of this month and it is anticipated that a roadmap for the further easing of measures over the coming months will be agreed.
Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.
