Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Dorgan and compliment her on the campaign. I am the Fine Gael spokesperson for the arts in the Seanad. It is important that we recognise both the Government and the Minister for the support they have given the industry.

Over the past number of months, I missed my regular diet of performances by our local musical society. We have a fantastic stage school in Longford, namely, the Evolution Stage School. It puts on fantastic shows. We have a school of rock, which is an excellent school for young children from various backgrounds and does tremendous work. It is important that this funding was put in place so that they can continue to work in that sector.

Many of the questions I wanted to ask have already been posed so I will hone in on only a couple of points. Ms Dorgan alluded to the fact that theatres - we have our own Backstage Theatre in Longford - are ticketed venues. NPHET needs to look at the possibility of making exceptions for them where it can be managed properly, we can achieve social distancing and get people back into the theatres, especially where they are ticketed. That is something that needs to be examined.

Coming up to Christmas, the usual pantomimes that have been part of the diet of all young children over the years will probably be missing. Reference has been made to online productions. It would be nice to see these happening for the Christmas if funding was put in place. I do not know whether that can be done under any of these schemes or whether funding could be made available to national schools across the country in order that the children could have their Christmas parties. The reality is that they will not be going to such parties this year.

I thank Ms Dorgan for the work that she does for the industry. I am delighted that it was supported. I hope that support continues.