Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It "remains under close review", but what level of discussions have been had on the PUP and has consideration been given to the fact that what was announced last week will limit people who are working in the night-time and live entertainment industries? I am thinking of musicians in particular. I spoke to the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland, MEAI, last week. The Minister has engaged with it herself a number of times. Musicians have seen their December bookings wiped out. The issue is not just the midnight rule announced by the Government.

As people are being told to reduce their movements, bookings for Christmas parties are gone now and people who had booked tickets for gigs are not going now. That is an issue. The situation is very serious, particularly for musicians. We cannot tell musicians, and I know the Minister is not suggesting this, to get a job somewhere else. Musicians are one of several vulnerable groups.

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