Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, and wish them well in their new posts. They have started off on a good footing.

I welcome the supports for the live events industry and the commercial entertainment sector. They will help many venues and promoters to continue their work. How will musicians who operate as sole traders be supported? I refer to session musicians who play a gig in the pub on a Friday or Saturday night. How can they access supports and ensure they do not lose out to the larger organisations, especially the ticketed venues?

I look forward to reading the report at the end of the year on the night-time economy task force. When we hear about the night-time economy, we think of bars, night clubs and events where alcohol is being served and consumed. There is no denying that many enjoy that scene but will the task force also examine how to support night-time events where alcohol is not served? What type of events will be included in that regard?

My next question is for the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers. This is probably an issue that has been raised in many rural areas. There is much confusion currently about game hunting in rural areas following the Garda statement suggesting that all game hunting is prevented during level 5 restrictions. Most people understood that game hunting would be permissible under level 5 on the basis that individuals are on their own and within 5 km of their home. The pheasant shooting season began last Sunday. Clarification is needed in this regard. I urge the Minister of State to ensure a common-sense approach is taken.

The tourism sector was previously raised. Will the Minister consider introducing fast-tracking of testing at airports, especially for Christmas when we are encouraging people to come home?

In her introductory statement, the Minister indicated that there is a three-year survival stabilisation recovery programme. Is that the approach for all sectors? The arts sector will take at least that long to recover, as will sport and so on.