Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given the nature of the cultural work by and employment status of individuals in the arts, it is important to note that the Covid support payments they are receiving are very welcome. However, I wish to echo the concern raised by my colleague, Deputy O'Donnell, regarding how they can come out of this, respond and get back to the valuable work they do in society. That is of paramount importance. We recognise the many positives coming out of the pandemic, particularly the videos to which the Minister referred in her opening contribution. I watched one of them and found it fascinating. The Dear Ireland project really caught my attention. I am pleased to hear that the Minister plans to support another 20 performances under the Ireland Performs programme. I would love to see more such projects in the coming months. There is significant concern in the cultural and arts world regarding facilities being opened up on a phased basis such that libraries will open in phase 2 but galleries and museums will not open until phase 4, while the performing arts must wait until phase 5. I understand that is based on the advice of our public health doctors, but there is concern regarding how the arts community can respond to it. We can take the positives from this situation, such as how the arts community will refocus and try to find a way of getting their work, which is so valuable and important to us, into the public sphere. Culture Night is probably one of the ways that could be done. I would appreciate if the Minister, in the very limited amount of time I have been given, could provide additional information on that issue.

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