To ask the Minister of Health what discussions he has had with the Minister of Education to discuss the impact of gatherings to affect not just those present but also, via chains of infection, those who were not present.

In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position.

I meet regularly with the Minister of Education to discuss many different issues, including those regarding COVID-19. There is currently no limit to the number of people who can meet in a gathering, either indoors, or outdoors, excluding that in a private dwelling, which is limited to 30 people or under. It remains vital however that we all continue to act responsibly and follow the guidance in place to the Educational sector, amongst others, in order to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and ensure we continue to move forward. This will be particularly important over the next few months with the usual added winter pressures on our Health and Social Care system.