An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Dail Éireann — 2020-09-15
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Mattie McGrath (IND), Tipperary

I remain confused, along with many other people across the country, by the new living with Covid-19 plan. I welcome the announcement that spectators are to be allowed to return to the games and matches that are part of our culture. Up to 50 patrons or spectators are allowed at indoor sporting events but dancing classes, rince scoile, and other artistic events are restricted to six people. Dancing classes often take place in GAA centres across the country. Are we saying that for sport we can have 50 spectators but for dancing classes and artistic events we cannot? There is confusion there. I also ask the Taoiseach to clarify the restrictions on hotels. Up to 50 people are allowed to attend a wedding but we are not sure if 50 can attend other events such as funeral dinners. Are such events confined to six people in pods? There is utter confusion. It is time for the hotel industry and the people to be given clarity. I must declare an interest with regard to rince scoile - the McGrath school of dance is run by my niece. There are many more dance schools in Tiobrad Árann and across the country that need to get back to their activities for the sake of physical and mental health and cultural experience.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2020-09-15/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:48:33+00:00
Sitting date: 2020-09-15