Wedding limits to stay as GAA gets go-ahead for bigger crowds

:: Ministers urge Taoiseach to allow pubs to reopen with strict rules on patron numbers

COUPLES with summer weddings planned are facing bad news with the Government expected to leave in place strict rules on indoor gatherings.

It was hoped the rules on indoor events such as weddings and christenings would be eased to allow up to 100 people to attend events.

However, a senior government source said the current Covid-19 rules, which allow only 50 people to attend weddings, are likely to remain in place over concerns about a rise in clusters from indoor events.

The rules on outdoor gatherings are expected to be eased to allow 500 people to attend sports events. This could mean more people will be able to attend GAA and League of Ireland matches.

Meanwhile, ministers are expected to put pressure on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to allow pubs open under strict new rules on opening times and the number of people allowed on the premises.

A senior minister said the “general consensus” within Cabinet is that pubs should be allowed to open.

“Is it not better to have lads having their few pints in controlled environments as opposed to sheds, shebeens and house parties?” they said.

The Green List of countries deemed safe for non-essential travel may be reduced due to a spike in coronavirus cases across Europe. Senior government figures confirmed the Cabinet is considering reducing the list to take into account the rise in new cases in certain countries.