John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not an understatement that the live theatre and events sector is in disarray since last Friday's announcement by Government to cut the capacity to 50%. I do not envy the Minister or her Cabinet colleagues who have faced unprecedented decisions over the past 18 months, but I have to question the logic that sees public transport being able to operate at 100%, while safe venues, such as theatres, can only operate at 50%, despite the use of masks and vaccination certificates, as Senator Byrne said. Broadway will operate at 100% tonight. West End theatres, despite government advice to the contrary, will operate with a mask mandate in place, yet our theatres in Ireland, which are in the middle of sold-out runs of pantomimes and concerts, will only be able to operate at 50%.

I am exceptionally concerned about the producers and the not-for-profit organisations. The costs involved in putting on productions such as pantomimes are immeasurable. They involve venue hire, lighting, sound engineers, set design, transport, technical crew, musicians, costume hire and PR; the list is endless. They do it because of their love for theatre and the ability to make their audience smile. For example, the Waterford Panto Society, which started its run last week, and A Christmas Carol, which started at Garter Lane Arts Centre last week, decided that the show must go on. However, they face financial losses of up to €47,000 and €25,000, respectively, as a result of the 50% capacity limit on venues. This is replicated across this country.

They have to be supported urgently because decisions are being made today that have an impact going forward through January. I would urge the Minister of State to relay back to the Minster the urgency of making a decision on this and to amend strand 2 of the live performance grant scheme to cater for these smaller productions. It is all well and good to support the big professional productions, but we also need to look after the community and non-for-profit groups.