Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response and his acknowledgement of the needs of this sector. The approach required to help must be multifaceted. Helping the entertainment industry to survive will require what the industry itself is all about, namely creativity. Financial support is crucial to it at this time. Getting the industry itself back on its feet, and therefore less dependant on the financial supports that are in place, will be a significant challenge while the necessary restrictions remain in place. I am requesting that the Government recognises the needs that have been spelled out in submissions from both the National Campaign for the Arts and the event production industry. I request that the Minister and his colleague, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Catherine Martin, who I accept has set up a task force, examine this issue and have that reflected in the budget. The situation of the industry needs urgent and meaningful responses in the forthcoming budget.

Will the Minister have discussions with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, and his party colleague, the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, to find a way forward for the industry?

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