Organisers of indoor summer camps across all activities are looking for clarity from the government.
The most recent government guidelines state that indoor activities such as organised events… group training, exercise and dance will not yet go ahead.
But an answer to a Parliamentary Question on 30 June in relation to summer camps for children both indoors and outdoors; states that "summer camps may proceed; however, camp organisers must ensure adherence to the public health measures in place at the time of the summer camp".
The Miss Ali Stage school in Dundrum has been closed for the past 18 months now.
Its owner Alison Vard Miller says she's frustrated that there are different interpretations to the rules when it comes to holding indoor summer camps.
"So we haven't managed to open for our July summer camps but I'm hoping to go ahead with the August event. Luckily I'm out the door with enquiries but I don't know where the line stops, who we can have and how many. So I'm hoping to go ahead indoors but I'm still looking for a bit more information as to how I can operate," Alison said.
She said she has reached out for clarity but it still "coming back in drips and drabs".
"I know that so many people are operating outdoors and that's their new normal but there's thousands of students who are waiting to go back into their indoor sector and I'm one of them. I still need some guidance and information," Alison added.
Alison said a lot can operate their summer camps outdoors but she cannot.
Christine Campbell who runs the Anyone 4 Science summer camps said she has some summer camps that are running outdoors and indoors.
"It depends on the body who is actually running the event and how they feel we should proceed. Our insurance tells us as long as we are in the HSE guidelines they are happy with that," Christine said.
Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers today announced funding worth €2.2m to support Gaeltacht families who normally provide accommodation and Irish language courses for students.
He said the Government are reviewing indoor spaces and activities.
"As you know the public health advice last week recommended pausing any increased indoor activities or the use of indoor spaces. But Government is considering indoor hospitality and as part of that consideration we are reviewing other indoor spaces and activities and recommendations will be brought to Government when that's reached a conclusion," Deputy Chambers said.
