Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I express again the grave concerns of hundreds of musicians who have contacted me since the budget, many of whom are struggling to meet their financial commitments. I have raised the crisis in the music industry several times and have offered my ongoing support to the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland, MEAI. It is an amazing organisation which works voluntarily to help struggling colleagues in every way, including mental health in some ways. Workers in this sector have been in lockdown since March without any income. They have relied on the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, and payment breaks to get by. Now, with a reduced PUP and no guarantee of payment breaks, many face the realisation that their homes may be at risk. Many are forced to sell equipment and their tools of the trade which are essential for their business to survive. This is such an unfair position in which to leave workers who want to work but who simply cannot do so.

The Covid restrictions support scheme announced in the budget benefits only premises owners. The majority of musicians do not operate from a premises or pay rates and their annual turnover does not reach the threshold for VAT. Schemes announced in the July stimulus package do not apply to these individuals. The VAT reduction was not given to the music industry. That reduction would have helped survivors in the industry when it reopens. These are self-employed people in microenterprises who raise families, pay mortgages, enrich the social fabric of our existence and culture and whose livelihoods have been put under threat by this pandemic. Their livelihoods have been put under further threat by the lack of supports by this Government.

These sectors need individual supports for the workers who have been on PUP since March. They want to work but their ability to work has been taken away by Government guidelines and the lack of clarity about those guidelines. Even under level 5 restrictions, wedding bands and private music teachers have been left in doubt about their ability to earn an income and honour private contracts. I ask that the Minister come before the House to address the concerns of these workers and then to arrange a meeting with their representatives to hear their views on the failure of Government responses so far to reach out to them in any effective or meaningful way.

It is also essential that support comes the way of these musicians as we fast approach the Christmas period. They have sacrificed their right to work and earn an income for the greater good of the nation. The Government should now reward the heavy burden they have borne for more than seven months. This burden of financial uncertainty is a risk to their future livelihood and even to their homes. It is not good enough. Music is the heart and soul of who we are in Ireland. It is our duty to afford protections and honour the artists and musicians who contribute so much to Irish culture and society. Now is the time to do that.