Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the representatives of the arts and theatre sector before the committee. I will follow on from the points made by Senator Malcolm Byrne. What were our guests' initial responses to yesterday's announcement by the Government and the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET? What is the potential impact of that announcement on our guests' sectors in terms of what they had scheduled in the weeks ahead? What impact will that announcement have on our guests' plans for indoor activities in their workshops and classes, and on events? The implementation of systems for the verification of vaccines in the community is pending. How will this impact our guests' plans as they move through the summer? Are our guests' sectors running test pilot events in different arts venues, including concert halls and theatres? What is the starting point to ensure the sector can reopen safely? What are the Government and Department responsible for in the arts sector that might be able to assist our guests to run test pilot events?

My final questions relate to supports from the Government and the Arts Council for organisations and independent artists. Have the supports been helpful? Have concerns been raised with Departments? How can the committee support our guests with their concerns?