Mr. Conor Falvey:

We are mindful that there are people in the broader cultural sector who did not traditionally rely on public subsidy for support. People such as musicians and others who play live performances are very much to the fore in our thinking. The Arts Council is considering how it might reach other sectors in the context of the additional funding it has been allocated. The other area on which we are working is around the commercial operators, such as venue operators, in order to get people back to work as soon as possible in a manner consistent with public health guidance. We will remain focused on that issue.

On the PUP and similar payments and their extension, the former Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, stated that one of the principles was that they would be available for as long as people had no opportunity to return to work. Obviously, that is subject to ongoing review. The Department participates in senior officials groups on Covid and economic recovery and will continue to feed in the concerns and desires of the sectors with regard to supports that are or might be made available.