Number of guests allowed at weddings from July likely to be “very small” says Simon Harris

Health Minister Simon Harris has said that the numbers of guests that will be allowed at weddings later this summer is "highly unlikely to be anything like 100".

The Minister was speaking on RTÉ Radio One's Morning Ireland, where he answered a range of questions from the general public in relation to the changes to current Covid-19 restrictions that came into force today, as well as the changes that are anticipated to be made over the coming weeks. The Government has already indicated that under Phase Four of its recovery roadmap, which is hoped to be introduced on July 20, small weddings will be allowed. The official wording reads:

"Small social gatherings by family and close friends will be allowed but are to be limited to a maximum number of attendees for a period of time where social distancing can be maintained (for example: small weddings, baptisms)."

That weddings with guests present will be allowed to resume is, of course, being welcomed. However, the question of exactly how many guests will be permitted at such "small weddings" is a crucial one for many couples across the country who have weddings booked in the coming months, or have postponed their weddings and are hoping to reschedule for later this year. Speaking this morning, Simon Harris acknowledged that the situation is causing a lot of angst for people who are planning their Big Day. He said that the Government is working on guidance for weddings "that will put a number on it, or a range". However, he cautioned that the number is "likely to be very small" adding that it's "highly unlikely to be anything like 100". The Minister for Health added that he himself was due to be a groomsman at a wedding taking place this summer, but it had now been pushed out to next year.