Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister rightly pointed out, the music, entertainment and live events industry is reopening in Britain from 17 May, when people will be invited to return to indoor events, venues, concert halls and even cinemas, play areas and so forth. This is a serious threat to the industry here. It is not just an opportunity for artists to play in Britain, which is welcome, but there are many in the industry who may leave Irish shores to work abroad. We will lose the income to the venues here when they reopen if the money is directed towards Britain.

The commercial arts workers and businesses in England, and Britain in general, will have a significant advantage on us. We have no roadmap or indication of when the music, entertainment and events industry will be allowed to return. Part of this is due to the slow vaccine roll-out but also because of what appears to be a lack of serious planning.

Has any work been done, in particular looking at events in Barcelona at the end of March where a concert was held for those who could prove they had a negative Covid-19 test? Are we looking at that? Are there plans afoot? Can the Minister let us know, or at least, let the music industry know?

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