Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
2020. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if permission will be given for novelty acts at weddings that can be carried out behind a perspex screen in a Covid-19 safe manner if live music continues not to be allowed at weddings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36228/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, on 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead.
While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme, the rapidly increasing prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant, and the significant risk this poses, in particular to those who are not yet fully vaccinated, meant that a number of higher risk indoor activities did not recommence as planned on 5 July, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status. However, as an exception, weddings already planned have been allowed to proceed with the planned increase in the number of guests to 50 at the wedding reception with protective measures from 5 July.
Unfortunately, the outlook for the coming weeks is very uncertain and there is not yet an indication of when novelty acts will be permitted at weddings. This is outlined further in the Fáilte Ireland guidelines. These guidelines can be found online: covid19.failteireland.ie/operational-guidelines/ The epidemiological situation will be monitored on an ongoing basis and the level of restrictions will be kept under review by Government.
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.
