John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Ward's call to allow live music at weddings, which are already restricted to 25 guests. Common sense is needed, just as it was needed last week in regard to the performing arts sector, including dance schools. I am glad that in the Dáil last week the Minister clarified that the Sport Ireland guidance on individual and one-to-one training now applies to this sector, while the Arts Council devised its own guidance.

However, some confusion still exists. Many within that sector refer to their practice sessions as "classes". They probably do not realise that they are already taking many of the required actions; operating in designated pods, maintaining 2 m of social distancing, abiding by staggered entry and exit times and reducing the length of practice sessions. In many cases they are already doing what the Minister called for in last week's clarification. As I alluded to last week, there must be a level playing field - if Members will pardon the pun - for these organisations, whether their members kick a football or participate in dance, gymnastics, acting or boxing. While these pursuits are hobbies for many people, many involved in the sector see them as their future careers, including a girl I met outside Leinster House last week.I reiterate my call for the Minister to come to the House for a wider debate on the arts sector and that the guidance due to be issued by the Arts Council this week reflect the guidance issued by Sport Ireland already for individual and pod system practice.