Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. I have a couple of quick questions on amateur drama to follow on from what Mr. Kenny said. He said performing groups had eight to 12 weeks to rehearse and prepare. Are there measures we can take? Can we help in any way to get back to rehearsing? Have the groups looked at other countries beyond Ireland to see how they are operating? Some are ahead of the posse.

I wish to ask about the theatre forum. The opening statement referenced how arts venues are in a unique position to offer quality work opportunities for artists and art workers in the locality. Is there an anomaly or disparity between rural areas and urban areas in this regard?

My next question is for all three groups. We see there is great inequality in terms of bigger venues being able to host socially distant shows while smaller venues are being left out. What is the potential for the fallout of the arts in such a scenario?

What do the representatives think of antigen testing? I believe it should be carried out on all venues. It gives data to the Government. We had a live show in Iveagh Park recently and it was an opportunity to do that. It is done in most other areas. It was done for the Eurovision Song Contest, for example.