Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for the opportunity to discuss this matter. I share his optimism and hope that, eventually, the country will open up and we will go back to enjoying all these festivals and theatres over the summer. He is absolutely right that the pandemic has taught us a few lessons, one of which is that the simple things in life are free. We are looking forward to opening up.

The arts and culture recovery task force in its report, Life Worth Living, recommended that the treatment of cultural activities and venues under the various levels of the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with Covid-19 be reviewed. The task force noted that many cultural centres, venues, galleries and cinemas offer large areas with ample circulation and controlled auditoria and spaces, as the Senator rightly said, capable of facilitating large numbers of people in accordance with public health guidelines.

On 13 December, the Department announced a series of performance test events comprising a performance of the Irish Chamber Orchestra at the National Concert Hall on Saturday, 19 December, and a production of Landmark Productions and Octopus Theatricals' innovative, Theatre for One, at the Abbey Theatre for a limited run from Friday, 18 December. These test events inform further assessments of the potential for a wider range of locations to accommodate live performance in 2021.

The test events were subject to the following requirements: each event was ticketed with assigned seating; only the named person assigned a ticket could attend; all attendees were asked to have their smartphone switched on and HSE Covid app installed for contact tracing purposes; the arrangements were supervised by an occupational health and safety professional who engaged with public health; and venues adhered to best practice on ventilation.

SLUA safety consultants reviewed the safety plans for each venue prior to Departmental approval. Covid-19 safety measures were in place and implemented by both venues and included separate supervised points of entry-exit for attendees and performers. Conditions of ticket issue were clearly communicated to attendees in advance of each event regarding face coverings, temperature taking, contact tracing information, social distancing and what to expect on arrival.

At the National Concert Hall, a special Christmas celebration with the Irish Chamber Orchestra took place on 19 December. The concert ran for 45 minutes without an interval. As part of their Covid-19 safety measures, Code Blue first aid responders completed temperature checks for all attendees on arrival before entering the auditorium.The entrance foyer was supervised to prevent congregation and all attendees were escorted to the their seats. Mask wearing was obligatory for the duration of the concert and tickets were restricted to 100 attendees. The Abbey Theatre hosted "Theatre for One" for one adult.

Hopefully in the coming weeks and months we can get back to the enjoyment of all of those wonderful festivals around the country, some which will offer a different level of participation from others. All of the various agencies are working together to address this issue.