Mr. Matt McGranaghan:

In regard to entertainment, Deputy Kenny is correct that many people cut their teeth in the entertainment industry. Not only that, but many people rely on it for their professional life. That is where they make their money. They raise a family on it, build a house, contribute to the economy and do all those things. That seems to surprise people. It certainly did during the pandemic when we were trying to fight for supports for that cohort of people. There was a reluctance to accept or believe that this is where people make their living. There is an assumption that if you are not famous in the music or entertainment industry, then you are obviously not successful at it. The opposite is the case.

There is a reliance in the entertainment industry on the rural pub and pubs in general. That needs to be protected moving forward. Since the Covid-19 pandemic ended last year, work has declined. People are not going out as much and pubs, entertainers and musicians are having it tough. We needs to do more to support them. Going back to the schemes I mentioned, it would be great to see that in order to support the night-time economy.