Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. McGranaghan and Mr. Conboy not only for their engagement today but also for bringing together a very disparate sector. I have a question in that regard. As they know, part of the difficulty has been that the voice of the music and entertainment sector has not been at the table because it has not really had a representative body. What structure should be in place to ensure engagement with the sector in future? I am also conscious of the question of universal basic income, a matter Senator Carrigy raised. I know this is not happening until next year but the planning will begin next month. That is why it is important the sector is involved, which requires a representative structure to be in place.

My second question has regard to the venues. We are going to hear about venues being reopened from 5 July. What message would the witnesses like to hear with regard to venues being able to safely reopen? Should we look at antigen testing? What about those who are not vaccinated or who refuse to receive a vaccine? Should venues be allowed to prevent such people entering the premises?