Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses are very welcome and I compliment them on all the work they do. I come from Longford and I am a supporter of Backstage Theatre with Mona Considine and all the crew. There is also the fantastic St. Mel's Musical Society and Evolution Stage School. They provide fantastic performances and sell out every event they do. My first question is on guarantees that they will be supported so they will be there after Covid. I fully agree with opening theatres and it is something about which I have spoken to Ms Considine. It can be done quite safely by marking out the seats for social distancing. I am fully in favour of doing this.

Significant extra funding has been put in place and Mr. Rafter mentioned that €200 million would be needed. Is there sufficient funding to support everyone in the arts sector? I have spoken to some people, in particular a gentleman I know who is in the rigging and lighting end of things, and they were not getting full support. Has everyone been covered with supports from the Department of Social Protection? I say well done to the witnesses and I look forward to continuing to support the arts in the years ahead.