To ask the Minister of Health whether any plans exist to alter the maximum number of people permitted at outdoor gatherings as part of the relaxations due to take effect from 21 June 2021, subject to ratification on 17 June 2021, from 500 people to a number determined as per the Risk Assessment.

Apologies for the length of time it has taken to respond to your query. We are experiencing an unprecedented volume of correspondence and responses are unavoidably delayed as a result.

I am pleased to inform you that effective from 2 July 2021 there is no maximum cap on the number permitted to attend an outdoor gathering, other than those at private dwellings. The maximum number of people permitted to attend an outdoor gathering is to be decided based on a risk assessment for that venue, ensuring measures are in place to mitigate the risk of transmission of Covid-19. This is the case for all outdoor gatherings of over 30 persons. Outdoor gatherings at private dwellings are limited to 15 from 5 households.

Going forward, to allow a period of stabilisation to fully assess the impact of recent relaxations, the Executive will review all further relaxations agreed in principal or otherwise and realign possible dates to implement these, subject to ratification.

I hope this is of assistance to you.