Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As a former Minister for culture, both the Deputy and I value the work that those involved in the arts and entertainment sectors do. The question is whether I restore the €350 rate specifically for those who work in the entertainment industry. Workers in that sector represent approximately 3% of people on the PUP. I understand the position that they are in but it would be unfair to increase the payment for one cohort and not do it for the other 97% who have also lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic.

I have had good engagement with the sector, particularly Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland, on some of its concerns. The first thing that the sector was asking for was that the PUP would be kept open beyond 17 September. We have done that and I have secured Government approval to keep it open until at least the end of the year.

See this speech in context