Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is not the first time that I have raised the following issue in the House, and I feel that I must do so again today. I refer to the struggle being experienced by musicians, artists and anyone who works in the entertainment industry during Covid, which seems to be getting worse. It is still a very pressing and important issue that needs to be discussed.

In my ongoing communication and contacts with people in the industry, and it is a lot, I have grown increasingly concerned about the state of the entertainment sector in Ireland. In particular, I am concerned about the mental health and mental well-bring of musicians and artists because without the outlet and expression of live performances many of them are struggling emotionally and mentally.

I want to take a moment to remember and pay tribute to the talented musician Gareth Kane, who took his own life a number of months ago. My heart breaks for his wife, Caroline, his family and his three young boys. Gareth was a very talented bassist who performed in David Keenan's band. He also played in a band called Harry Hoban and The Brothers Kane with his brother, Gerry, and Harry Hoban whom he met at Ballyfermot rock school in 2001, and my son was there as well. Since Gareth's tragic death his partner has spoken about the lockdown and how it devastated his mental health, his inability to gig and express himself during the pandemic lockdown. How musicians can express their emotions and feelings through music is really important. His wife, Caroline, said "Gar would be alive today if there wasn't a pandemic.”  Gar took his own life in October 2020 and a paramedic told his brother that it was the fourth suicide she had seen in three days, so it is just devastating. People have been deprived of their livelihoods and way of life. Musicians, artists and those who work behind the scenes have been through a really difficult time.

We have to consider the greater picture and understand the threat that the current crisis poses to the music and arts industry in Ireland, which is one of the most cherished industries. Irish people are known across the globe for their creative talents as musicians, artists and storytellers alike but people's ability to work has been taken away either by guidelines or a lack of clarity over Government guidelines.More supports are necessary to ensure that musicians, artists and all of those who work in the industry who are struggling with their mental health right now see that there is a commitment to reopening the arts industry. I call for a debate on the very important topic of the effects of Covid on musicians, artists and those who work in the industry. I ask that the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, be present to discuss how to improve supports for this sector.