Official Report: Minutes of Evidence

The Chairperson (Mr Gildernew): SR 2020/139, which was deferred by the Committee at its last meeting, was one of the SRs that was revoked and replaced by SR 2020/150. It added to the list of premises and services that were able to reopen, including cinemas and bingo halls, and eased restrictions on gatherings and events. Do members have any further issues that they wish to raise on that SR?

Mr Carroll: I had mentioned it to Nigel, but I think that it is, at least, confusing that there is easing of restrictions in some areas but a reduction in the number of people who can meet indoors to six people from, I think, two families. There may be further announcements made today by the Minister or the Executive. I do not know whether it is wise, correct or the best course of action to support that restriction if there are questions around it or possible amendments. A bit of guidance on that would be helpful.

The Committee Clerk: I will just remind members that the question that the Chair will put to you in a moment is to note that the SR has been revoked. It is one of the whole suite of provisions that was replaced by the one that you have just agreed.

The Chairperson (Mr Gildernew): Therefore, agreeing to SR 150 effectively revoked SR 139. There was an acknowledgement that that needed to be better considered by the Department.

Mr Carroll: Sorry: SR 139 was revoked.

The Chairperson (Mr Gildernew): Yes.

Mr Carroll: OK. Thanks.

The Chairperson (Mr Gildernew): If members have no further issues that they wish to raise in connection with this statutory rule, I ask them to formally agree that the Committee for Health has considered SR 2020/139, the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 11) Regulations (NI) 2020, and is content that it be revoked by SR 2020/150.