Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is important when the Department of Health makes announcements around the reopening that the arts and culture are not forgotten. It is right and important when one talks about what is happening in sport that the sporting organisations have clarity. Unfortunately, when many of the national announcements are made, those in the artistic and music community do not seem to receive the same level of detail. In any future announcements there must be much more clarity around that.

As those pilots have operated safely, we are able to say to venues around the country that they can now open safely under those conditions. It is important that is outlined as quickly as possible. I can think of no greater vaccine bonus than to be able to give to those who have been given their vaccines to be told that they can go to a concert or to a play or to listen to a piece of music in a safe environment. We need to get that message out.

It is important also to remember that artists and musicians have helped us through this pandemic. Many of them have lost their employment and jobs. We must remember that this is about more than just employment for them; it is part of their own identity. As part of our recovery, we must support those venues, artists and musicians. In any future announcements, therefore, can it be made very clear what is to happen? We must set out a timeframe for the safe reopening of our theatres and venues as soon as possible.