John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This morning, I tabled a Commencement matter with Senator Malcolm Byrne in respect of the live entertainment and theatre sector, the 50% capacity constraint that has been placed on venues and the challenges it is causing for local groups and not-for-profit organisations that are in the middle of organising productions, concerts and pantomimes. I gave the examples of Waterford Panto Society, which had a sold-out run of 26 shows at the Theatre Royal, and the producers of A Christmas Carol at Garter Lane Arts Centre. Those groups have bravely decided the show must go on and they are continuing with their productions. Even so, aside from the logistical nightmare the 50% capacity presents to them in having to decide which 50% gets to see the show, they face substantial losses of €47,000 and €25,000, respectively, as a direct result of the 50% capacity limit.

I ask the Leader to arrange an urgent debate with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on this sector. I am cognisant of the supports that have been, and will be, put in place for the professional sector. That is right and proper and it is all well and good, but the local community, not-for-profit, voluntary organisations that are the lifeblood of theatre throughout the country also need to be supported and need urgent clarity from the Government. It would be appropriate to fit such a debate in to the schedule of the House as a matter of urgency.