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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2021

Wednesday, 30 June 2021

Ceisteanna (312)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

312. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the restrictions that will be in place for the summer months in relation to summer camps for children both indoors and outdoors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28257/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread adherence by the public to the public health measures in place, and this progress has been sustained during recent phases of reopening in April, May and June.

While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme and the current situation is broadly stable, the prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant is rapidly increasing in Ireland and this poses a significant risk, in particular to those who are not yet fully protected though vaccination.

On 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead, with an emphasis on lower risk activities given the risks posed by the Delta variant. Higher risk indoor activities, including organised events, service in bars and restaurants, group training, exercise and dance will not yet recommence, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status.

Summer camps may proceed however camp organisers must ensure adherence to the public health measures in place at the time of the summer camp. The public health measures in place will, for example, guide the numbers permitted in pods for both indoor and outdoor activities and whether indoor catering is permitted. Details of public health measures can be found online: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/7894b-post-cabinet-statement-resilience-and-recovery-the-path-ahead/

As we further ease public health measures, our approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and phased, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensure that our progress in controlling the virus is maintained. Significant and sustained progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.

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