Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will start with a quote from President Michael D. Higgins:

As a society we must come to recognise the arts are as important to our infrastructure as roads, hospitals and schools ... When we support the artists we support a viable democracy.

I call for the PUP to be restored to €350 per week and the employment wage subsidy scheme, EWSS, to €410 per week until the industry reopens without social distancing; a hardship fund created jointly by Arts Council and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection funded with 5% of the overall Arts Council budget and broader criteria to ensure the commercial live music sector can avail of council funding.

I will finish with a quote from Senator Frances Black:

The Irish have always used music as an expression of joy, sadness, struggle and resistance. Live music has been shown to lower stress levels, increase social bonds and generally increase well-being.

The Minister needs to now listen to the President and people such as Senator Black and help the well-being of our country.

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