As you are all probably aware Ireland will enter Level 5 restrictions from Christmas Eve. This means that we move to Level 5 of the Framework attached. We will update you of any updates as they occur.
Since the restrictions have been introduced GAA Handball have worked closely with Sport Ireland and the Federation of Irish Sports and have made a number of written submissions with regards to the Covid-19 restrictions on indoor sports.
Arising out of these submissions GAA Handball were invited to be part of anIndoor Sports Group that would act as a voice for indoor sports. This group is chaired by the Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O Connor and meets regularly to discuss the impact of the restrictions on indoor sports and to prepare submissions to the various committees and expert groups.
GAA Handball were invited to meet online with the Minister of state for Sport Jack Chambers, members of government and the return to sport expert group. We were allocated speaking time with the Minister to outline the frustrations and concerns of GAA Handball and our hopes going forward for a return to activity. We were then invited to submit a written submission directly to the department of sport for consideration.
Some of the key asks are that consideration is given to the amount of space in ratio to the number of players in a particular venue and that indoor sports are assessed based on the square footage of the venue rather than all indoor sports been assessed in the same manner and also that recognition is given to the importance of getting juvenile players returned to sport in a safe manner in as short a timeframe as possible to keep them involved in the game and prevent dropout.
There is a further meeting planned for early in the New Year with the Minister for Sport and officials from the expert group and government. We are hopeful that we will see some positive news on this front in the New Year.
GAA Handball will continue to actively engage on a frequent basis with Sport Ireland and the Federation of Irish Sport in order to ensure that the voice and concerns of our sport are heard. We will be in touch to update you in relation to any developments in the new year.