Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will bring it down a notch. First, I am here to tell the Minister again what a great place west Cork is. I take every opportunity to tell her that. After listening to the other contributions, I am fully aware that west Cork is not unique in its richness of culture, music and arts, but the reason I raise it is that it is part of us. It is important to everything we do. We are not paying lip service, but genuinely and constructively are trying to contribute to and support an industry that is, undeniably, on its knees because of the global pandemic.

Only a few weeks ago the arts industry was looking at innovative ways to get back up and running again. It was considering the potential of socially distanced gigs and events. In west Cork, socially distanced events were taking place quite safely and within the restrictions. I attended a couple of them and it was amazing to hear live music being played again. We realised what we were missing. However, level 3 restrictions have come in and the industry's hopes have been absolutely dashed, as the Minister fully understands. It tried to be innovative as well by moving online, but Facebook and the big corporations changed their licensing. They make it more difficult at every corner the events industry takes in terms of trying to be innovative, change its approach and stream its music to the masses. Facebook has changed its licensing agreement and has put up obstacles and challenges. That puts extra pressure on us to intervene and give supports.

Unfortunately, last night's news came like a hammer fist to an industry that was already on its knees. People in the industry are scratching their heads as to where they will go now. That is where the Government should intervene and provide supports. I was delighted that the Taoiseach met and listened to members of the events industry in my constituency office in Clonakilty. The Minister has met members of the events industry as well, including EPIC, and has given them a good hearing. She is not just paying them lip service. She is fully aware of their concerns and what has to be done. However, we have to walk the walk.

There are supports available. The song writing and recording grant is being very well received. I spoke to a couple of engineers who are getting work on the basis of that grant. There will not be enough work to satisfy everybody, but it is a step in the right direction. I hope the Minister will listen to a couple of innovative measures which I believe could be implemented. First, as has been said, the fact that the events and music industry finds itself in such a unique position means that there should be measures or allowances whereby people in the industry can claim the PUP and take work when it becomes available. If it is put through the books and they are taxed on it, that is fine. At least, they will be able to stay in touch with the events industry and continue working. That is one measure that should be considered due to the uniqueness of the industry.

Second, there is the back to work enterprise allowance scheme. Under the scheme, people who are on social welfare and are seeking to start their own businesses can claim payments for a two-year period and also take in income from their new business. This could be applied to the events industry and allow people in the industry to take work where it arises. Those are two examples whereby I believe we can intervene, although many others have been strongly suggested.

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