Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair for allowing me back in again. I echo Deputy Crowe's suggestion that we invite the Tour de France back to Ireland. I am sure Deputy Mythen would agree that it would be most welcome if it was to start in Wexford once again, as it did 23 years ago.

I wish to come back to the issue of the reopening of theatres. I know that the Minister cannot give a specific date but maybe the Minister will confirm, if possible, if we are considering May for the reopening of museums, galleries and art spaces. We had a period last summer where we were able to reopen theatres safely, and theatres operated very effectively in a safe manner. The Minister obviously had a pilot there. If we are going to start to open other venues where social distancing can happen I would argue that there is more chance of interaction between people in the supermarket than in a theatre. I would like the Minister to flesh out some of the issues around the criteria and the decisions that will be required to open the theatres.

I will try to finish on a positive note. The artistic and music communities have helped us through this pandemic. It has been a really difficult period for artists and musicians. It will also be very important for that community, as part of our recovery, to recognise the need to rebuild our cultural identities too. I ask the Minister to conclude by talking about, as part of the Government's programme, how we are going to culturally rebuild as we come out of this period.