Informed by Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting

Hello John,

I'm getting in touch to alert you that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) has published updated Guidance for Youth Work Organisations – Informed by Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting ([link removed]) .

It is important that we maintain awareness and vigilance - but this is really exciting news for youth workers, volunteers and young people.
* Protective measures will remain in place but premises may open, and restrictions will be lifted in a number of areas outlined below.
* The new guidance has moved away from levels and the focus is now on key dates for the easing of measures. Hopefully this will be more straightforward and help your planning as we move through the changes related to these dates.

Key dates: 20^th September and the 22^nd October

From 20^th September:
* maximum group sizes for a service should be calculated based on the space available - ensuring that at least 1m physical distancing can be maintained.

From 22^nd October:
* remaining restrictions on indoor activities are removed.
* Residentials may take place: all remaining restrictions on residentials are removed. Services should follow all public health guidance and pay particular attention to the specific guidance set out in Failte Ireland’s Guidelines to re-opening.
* One to one meetings may take place.
* Transport returns to 100% with some protective measures.
* International youth work can resume. Everyone should follow the public health advice on international travel.

Issues to be clarified

We have requested further clarification on the 3 issues below:
1. The role of proof of immunity for under 12s.
2. At what age and in what context is the guidance to wear masks applicable.
3. The basis on which a youth organisation can request proof of immunity of their staff/young people.

Guidance is still awaited from the Department of the Taoiseach regarding these points.

We will continue to update you on our ongoing engagement with both this department and DCEDIY regarding the Covid-19 Guidance for Youth Organisations ([link removed]) on behalf of the youth sector.

Please let me know if you have any further queries, and best wishes with your planning over the coming weeks.

Warmest regards,

Mary

Mary Cunningham
CEO
National Youth Council of Ireland

P.S. Budget 2022: You'll have seen we launched our call on Government to support young people in Budget 2022 by investing €10 million in youth work yesterday. I'd ask you to support this by sharing with your contacts and signing our petition ([link removed]) .

============================================================
Copyright © 2021 National Youth Council of Ireland, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this message because you previously asked NYCI to subscribe you.

Our mailing address is:
National Youth Council of Ireland
3 Montague Street
Dublin 2, Dublin 2
Ireland
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.