Seanad debates

Thursday, 26 November 2020

Reopening Ireland (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment): Statements

 

10:30 am

Photo of Fintan WarfieldFintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have just one comment to make, on entertainment. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. On the last occasion that gastropubs and restaurants could open on a limited basis, no live music was allowed. We might have an official announcement tomorrow that some hospitality venues can open. Has the Government had any discussions with NPHET specifically on live music and live performance? The plight of live performers has been well articulated in the Houses so I will not go over it again. Even if live music had no impact on the ability of a venue to impose all necessary social distancing rules, would it be allowed? It would serve us well to have a test case to determine whether a musician could play a hospitality venue in December if guarantees on social distancing are made.

Much of today's businesses will concern the reopening of vital services, such as screening and testing services and therapies. I will be speaking about these later. I draw the attention of the Minister of State to a Bill before the Dáil today, the Mental Health Parity of Esteem Bill, whose aim is to place the treatment of mental health issues and the right to access that treatment on the same footing as the treatment of physical health conditions and access thereto.

I am not sure whether the previous speaker mentioned our not covering about four portfolios in this Chamber, one of which has about ten portfolios within it. Some people would do well to follow their own advice and tone down the attacks on Sinn Féin and other Opposition parties.

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