Annie Hoey (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to take a moment to reflect. We have lost 18 months or almost two years out of the sector. I am often struck by the importance within the sector of being able to have people who enter it or start off early. That state of play - entering into it, getting to enjoy it and finding your feet in an interesting area - is important. This goes for amateur and professional people. Can the groups give an outline of what impact losing that will have on the sector? I am from a theatre background and I believe the early entry state of play is so important for people who decide to go down the professional route, to continue with amateur dramatics or simply to stay involved. The period of 18 months or two years has been a long time to lose that element. That is my only question.