Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We all know that the sector has had a really difficult time as it has been shut down since March 2020. What we have done is tried to support the people involved in every way we can. When I engaged with them, they were very pleased that they can earn up to €960 and still keep the pandemic unemployment payment. That meant they could do the occasional gig and it did not affect their payment. I understand that they are in a very difficult situation.

To be fair, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, Gaeltacht and Media has put many supports in place for them. I know many artists who welcomed the supports. We must continue to work with the sector. Through the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, Gaeltacht and Media, with the support of her Government colleagues, we have given every consideration we can to help them through what is a hugely difficult time.

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