Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I listened to the contributions of the Minister of State's colleagues. I agree with them that some of the supports that are now in place, depending on the sector, are helping to bring about a positive difference to people's lives and the economy. While many sectors are operating, albeit on a knife-edge, others remain horribly exposed to the effects of Covid-19. Earlier I spoke of the great challenges faced by the taxi and chauffeur sector and on other occasions I have addressed the challenges faced by the tourism sector. I know it is not the Minister of State's responsibility but I want to pass on the message that we need to see the VAT rate cut from 13.5% to 9% in this sector. While this is important nationwide, it is crucial in the Border areas where we have to compete with a much lower VAT rate in Northern Ireland.

The cultural, events, arts and entertainment sector is in dire trouble. In that context, I would like to read a few lines from an email I received from somebody I know who works in the sector. It states:

I wanted to send you a note today as the date for the PUP scale-back is imminent. With no date on the horizon as to when we can operate at full capacity again or at a sustainable capacity, I feel it is wrong to implement the PUP cutbacks at this point on anyone within sectors that cannot return to work safely or sustainably. With Covid-19 recovery plan stages taking so many setbacks and increasing numbers, I feel the PUP cutback timeline needs to be readjusted to logically align with how the recovery is actually panning out.

Those are wise words and we need to act on them.

The events and entertainment industry supports 35,000 jobs. Its turnover has collapsed. These jobs include invisible professionals such as sound and lighting engineers, site crews, riggers, event planners, logistics experts, poets, bar and catering staff, singers, actors, camera operators, drummers, designers, dancers and many others. These workers cannot bear the brunt of the crisis because they cannot get back to work. Tomorrow, their pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, will be cut and their safety net will disappear.

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