Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Ceisteanna (978)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

978. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the types of venues and settings in which the EU Digital COVID Certificate can be used to permit entry, aside from hospitality premises; if it can be used by organisers of indoor group activities such as art classes; the way organisers of indoor group activities should assess if attendees are all vaccinated or a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated persons, therefore requiring a pod system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52738/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Covid pass arrangements are currently in place for nightclubs, life entertainment venues and indoor events and mass gatherings in additional to hospitality. A valid EU Digital COVID Certificate, or a recognised alternative proof, with photo ID is required for admission to these venues.

In addition, organisers of indoor activities can choose to apply the Covid pass. If organisers of indoor activities do not apply the Covid pass, and instead have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people, the activities should take place in pods of 6.

As the Deputy will be aware, there is a range of sectoral guidance in place, including for example guidance for venues operating for the purposes of live entertainment and nightclubs (www.gov.ie/en/publication/updated-guidelines-for-nightlife-and-live-entertainment-sector/) and Arts Council guidance for the arts sector (www.artscouncil.ie/uploadedFiles/wwwartscouncilie/Content/Contact_us/COVID-19/COVID19_GuidancefortheArtsSector_291021.pdf).