Mr. Robert Donnelly:

To respond to Deputy O’Sullivan, all the musical societies and drama groups are vital to their local areas. Last March was the height of our season because the period between January and May is when most of our shows are on. As president of the organisation, I generally get invited to every show around the country. I had attended five shows, with another four to follow. All those shows which were in the middle of their runs last March lost out financially to a great degree because sets had been built, costumes hired, orchestras contracted and venues booked. We surveyed those societies which lost their shows last year.

Some have lost between €2,000 to €20,000 or €30,000. In the past year and half, they have been unable to fundraise to try to repay the debts. Plus, we rely on many local businesses to support our societies. How could you knock on the door of a local business after the year and a half people have had? It is going to be tough for groups to get support and get back up and running. The real emphasis of community theatre is going to come to the fore because people are going to have to pull together again to get our societies back up and running.