Fáilte Ireland first sought clarity on the definition of “outdoor events” in hospitality settings in June, the tourism body has confirmed.
Guidelines produced by Fáilte Ireland, and the regulations they are based on, were at the centre of a political controversy last week after it emerged former Cabinet minister Katherine Zappone hosted a gathering for 50 people in the Merrion Hotel in July.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for Fáilte Ireland said it first sought clarity on the issue in June from the Department of Tourism.
Hospital Report
The department in turn raised the issue with a number of other Government departments, the spokeswoman said.
However, Fáilte Ireland said resulting discussions between officials on the precise definition of outdoor events were still ongoing until the Government released a statement from the Attorney General on the matter last Wednesday.
“In relation to the definition of ‘outdoor events’ in hospitality settings, Fáilte Ireland sought clarity from Department of Tourism officials in June 2021 who subsequently raised the matter with a number of other relevant departments and those discussions were ongoing until the Attorney General’s statement on August 4th,” the spokeswoman said.
The hotel, Ms Zappone and the Government have since pointed to the regulations, which permit up to 200 people at outdoor gatherings and events, and guidelines which in part suggest such gatherings were permitted.
However, the Opposition has alleged this is a political smokescreen to protect Tánaiste Leo Varadkar – who attended the event – from repercussions.
Criticism
Backbench Government TDs and Senators have also criticised the process, which has led to significant private criticism from across the Government benches.
The Opposition argues that the regulations were never designed with such events in mind, while the hospitality sector has also said it was not aware these gatherings were permitted under the law.
Fáilte Ireland has since produced new guidelines, outlining how such events are allowable. Mr Varadkar has said there was “probably” no breach of guidelines at the event.
The spokeswoman said it was a normal aspect of the drafting process for it to seek clarity on the relevant regulations when publishing guidelines based on them.
Meanwhile, Labour TD Ivana Bacik has apologised over her attendance at the Merrion Hotel event.
In a statement on Monday, the newly elected Dublin Bay South deputy said she attended the gathering on July 21st for about 15-20 minutes.
“I understood the event was within the regulations but regret my brief attendance in the circumstances and apologise for being there,” she said, adding that party leader Alan Kelly had accepted her apology.
Ms Zappone stood back from the Government-appointed position of special envoy for freedom of opinion and expression last week following the revelations, and days of recrimination over how the appointment was handled by the Government, as well as its subsequent leaking from Cabinet.
