John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the start of December last year, I raised the plight of the performing arts sector, including dance schools, stage schools and music educators, on the Order of Business. I engaged, as many in this House did, with people outside the gates of Leinster House. Last week, along with my Fine Gael colleagues, we had a meeting with the Performing Arts Educators of Ireland, Comhaltas and the Irish dance sector. Unfortunately, they have been left frustrated and disappointed at the lack of clarity for their industry, which employs so many people across the country.

As we approach the reopening of society, with hospitality, sport, gyms and wider sectors reopening next month, they as a sector need to have clarity and they have not had it to date. They need clarity to perform their lessons and to have summer camps, which are a really important outlet for young people.

We have to be mindful as a Government that not everybody wants to play sport, and I say that as a former PE teacher. Whether one plays a musical instrument, engages in hockey, is involved in arts such as dance, acting or singing, plays athletics or is involved in hurling or football, everybody deserves the opportunity to practice his or her given talent.

I ask the Deputy Leader to invite the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, to the Seanad next week to have a debate on that. It cannot be left in the ether any longer. People have to rely on interpretation of guidance that is now out of date in relation to levels of reopening. They need clarity and they need it quickly.