Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I share the Senator's enthusiasm and look forward to a return of outdoor performances. Unfortunately, the public health advice is that it is still too early to say when that will happen. We must look at the case numbers, hospitalisations, vaccinations and variants of concern. As the Senator will be aware, the Government will meet in advance of 4 May to review the level of restrictions and see what can be done.

I have two schemes in place to facilitate that. The €5 million for live performance schemes in local authority areas is to employ and engage live performers during the summer months and help them programme for outdoor live performances. The outdoor public spaces scheme of up to €250,000 is for projects to create those spaces for us all to enjoy. At the minute, however, it is too early to say when but I am cautiously optimistic for the summer.