Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that I had an opportunity to discuss some of these issues with the Minister previously and I welcome her statement that she will work in the budgetary context on the key recommendations of the task force and that the entertainment and events sector is represented on that task force. The Minister also said that this was the first sector to close. We know it is facing unprecedented and ongoing challenges and given all the medical evidence those challenges and difficulties will be with us for some time.

As stated by Deputy Boyd Barrett, we do not want to lose this sector or the professionals involved in it who are across many different trades, professions and disciplines. We need a comprehensive package in the budget to assist live performers, producers, artists, musicians and others. When assistance and a programme is being put in place it is important that emerging talent and small bands are recognised as well. We are all aware that we need the emerging talent and they may not be very well organised. In many instances, they bring our music, song and dance to other continents. They are great ambassadors for our country. In any scheme of assistance, which is needed for the entire sector and for all disciplines within the sector, it is important that emerging and new talent is recognised as well and given adequate assistance.

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