Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is slightly dodging the question because the reports are that the TWSS is going to be tapered, that is, reduced - I love these euphemisms - and that the pandemic payment is going to be cut. That is going to hit disproportionately the musicians, performers and live entertainment and events sectors. That payment should be turned into a minimum income above and beyond which people can earn something.

Some of the other big requests that are being asked for are whether we can take measures to make sure people like Spotify and other online content platforms pay artists, because much artistic content is now online. Even though they make huge profits, they pay miserable amounts of money to the actual artists and performers. Can we ensure broadcasters are actually required to broadcast a minimum percentage of 40% or 50% of domestically produced artistic, theatrical and dramatic output so that we can give real support? Critically, the main demand of the sector is that the PUP is maintained, not cut and is extended to everybody in the arts, music and live entertainment and events sectors.

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