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

With regard to the theatres, I conducted that pilot in the Abbey Theatre and in the National Concert Hall, and the feedback was very positive. Due to public health advice, it is still too early to give a definite date for theatres. Obviously, it is something I would like to happen. On the return to live events, the theatre forum is on the expert group that is examining the roadmap for a return. That will be helpful.

Outdoor dance for groups of up to 15 will be permitted. It is the same for all non-contact outdoor activities, so it will be allowed.

On the elite artists, we are engaging with the sector on that specific point about artists' travel. Unfortunately, at present there is no opportunity to perform, but we are in engagement with them.

The circus is an art form and it is funded by the Arts Council. The Arts Council is independent in its funding decisions, but I will relay the Senator's concerns to it.

Like me, the Senator is an advocate for the basic income. As I told him, he is pushing an open door with me on the issue. The basic income by its nature supports creativity and innovation. That specific recommendation has been very well received, and not only here. Even internationally, journalists are talking about it. The latest information is that an oversight group has been established to deal with the recommendations. I have given direction to the oversight group to prioritise the basic income. The Ministers in the relevant Departments are supportive of this proposal being examined. Of course, any proposal on this will not just come from my Department so it is positive that the relevant Ministers are supportive. On a personal level, the Senator is pushing an open door with me, as it would be with the Senator. It is the most important recommendation of that report and I have asked the oversight group to prioritise it.