Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their excellent presentations. I do not pretend to be an entertainer because I cannot sing and I cannot dance. It has been 12 months since live entertainment shut down. I have spoken to many artists from Dundalk and throughout County Louth, and the big disappointment is that there is no roadmap. They need clarity and I do not believe the Government helped recently by stating there is no sign of any hospitality opening until at least the middle of summer.

As someone who comes from the Border area, I am very concerned about this. The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has stated the UK will open up and lift all Covid-19 restrictions from 21 June, which includes festivals and large events. I just hope there will not be an epidemic of people going across the Border. I have recently spoken to people in the area, including sports people who play a bit of golf and everything else, and they have already arranged to play golf in the North. It is very important for us all to work together.

Last November, there was talk of a cross-departmental stakeholders forum. It seems to be all just talk. I was hoping the Minister and all the groups would get together. Is there any update on that situation? I am very concerned. I know the Government keeps claiming the vaccine is coming. It is something we will need to look at.

I want to talk about the grant money that was recently announced. In November 2020, there was a €5 million allocation for live performance supports. Two weeks ago, the Government gave a further €50 million. I have spoken to many artists. Is that money being distributed fairly? I know there is a very high criterion to qualify for that. Is the person on the street who is doing the hard grafting getting any of that €50 million? Having spoken to a few of them, I do not believe they are. That is one of my major concerns.

I know many commercial companies are getting the wage subsidy and individuals qualify for the pandemic unemployment payment. However, I am really concerned about the artists. I have spoken to some of them who are doing online courses and are going away from the game. Ireland has a great name for entertainment and especially live entertainment. I would hate to see our people going. I believe the buzzword in future will be outdoor because I cannot see much happening indoors. Are there any plans for live entertainment in the summer? I know tickets are being sold for concerts.

My main concerns relate to the North reopening on 21 June and whether the money the Government is giving is going to the right people.