Statutory wording regarding wedding regulations has lead to some confusion on the matter but Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has since spoken out to clarify the guidelines.
A maximum of 25 people are permitted to attend weddings under current Level 5 restrictions. Not including the bride, groom or those actually working at the wedding, hairdressers and make-up artists have argued that the guidelines do not provide absolute clarity as to whether they are allowed to tend to bridal parties in a professional capacity.
Stating that “personal services” such as hair and make-up are not permitted “in any setting”, Minister Donnelly said only wedding bakers and photographers are permitted to provide their services at this time.
Commenting that further clarification is still needed, Louise O’Reilly – a Sinn Fein spokesperson on trade and employment – told The Irish Sun:
“Unfortunately, there is conflicting information out there, especially when we see the difference between the broad detail of the Government Statutory Instrument on essential services and weddings, and the detailed information in the PQ I received back.
“It is essential that the Minister reach out to all involved and provide definitive clarity.”
Also discussing what the government’s plan is going forward, Minister Donnelly said that there’s a possibility some parts of Ireland could be placed into Level 2 of Covid-19 restrictions once Level 5 is lifted, as expected, on December 1.
