Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Today, I would like to discuss the recent announcement on the easement of restrictions with particular reference to the music and entertainment industry and the confusion, uncertainty and anomalies delivered on Tuesday afternoon. On 31 August last, 22 October was hailed as the date for the full reopening of this sector. Since then, preparations have been under way, rehearsals have been taking place and tickets were sold in anticipation of a return to full capacity after 587 days of closure. Unfortunately, instead, we were delivered a plan of total confusion, contradiction and anomaly. This plan had the appearance of an unrehearsed or thought-out performance, one that seemed more like an improvisation than a carefully composed piece. The uncertainty and confusion is bewildering among industry professionals. Some parts of the industry are still not free from capacity restrictions, which means work is not guaranteed or viable. This uncertainty is accompanied by phased out pandemic unemployment payments for many in the sector who rely on the pub gigs to earn their living. Pub gigs are under restrictions, as is dancing. There is a considerable dancing culture in this country. Dancing is permitted in a nightclub and at a wedding. The confusion around Tuesday's announcement has led to absurd circumstances and the question whether people dancing is permitted at a dance. This is a genuine question. It is crazy. Tuesday's announcement is another example of how the music and entertainment industry has again been disregarded and given the 11th hour and 59th minute treatment throughout this pandemic.

In the budget, the independent sector was awarded €25 million, which is a 50% cut on the necessary support in budget 2021, yet the Arts Council budget at €130 million remained the same. A pilot basic income scheme was announced to support 2,000 artists with €325 per week and budgeted at €25 million when the actual cost is €33.8 million. Independent musicians and entertainers, who are traditionally not funded, work extremely hard to make a living at their art. They have to survive. They perform, write, teach, record, manage and organise. These people are my family members. They tour and do anything and everything to earn a living. When one or more achieves fame and success on the world stage, the powers that be are quick to acknowledge and associate themselves with them and praise them for their valued contribution to Irish culture, heritage and identity, yet in their 14,088 hours of need over the past 587 days, they have had to fight hard for recognition for understanding and support.

I would like to know from the Taoiseach how much consultation took place with stakeholders in the industry prior to Tuesday's announcement. I would also like to know what engagement the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media , Deputy Martin, and her Department had in the week prior to Tuesday's announcement with the industry stakeholders and other Departments such that she was able to relay the industry's concerns.