To ask the Minister for Communities for her assessment of the timeline for recommencement of Parkrun events in Northern Ireland in line with COVID-19 legislation, guidelines, the Parkrun COVID-19 Framework, and in light of recent decision by authorities in England.

I can advise that the current Covid Regulations permit sporting and recreational activities to recommence on the basis that the organisers can fully comply with Covid safety guidelines including social distancing, hygiene and the completion of risk assessments.

Event organisers should also ensure that consideration is given to the potential risks events might present to local communities and other facility users and build these into their plans and protocols.

Sport NI continues to provide advice and guidance to the sports sector as the various bodies take steps to ensure a safe return to activities. More details can be found at www.sportni.net/return-to-sport/.

I can also advise that Parkrun Global have developed protocols which were considered by the Return to Sport Expert Group, an advisory body which is chaired by the Department. The Group considered the protocols on 21 August and provided a number of comments.

With regard to a timeline for Parkrun events to recommence that is a matter for Parkrun Global and the local event organisers who will be responsible for ensuring that events are fully compliant with the Covid Regulations and for providing a safe environment for all those involved including administrators, volunteers and participants.