Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Government's decision and announcement earlier to extend the EWSS and to make changes to the Covid restrictions support scheme, CRSS. It is very important that we continue to support our hospitality sector. I echo the call by Senator Black and others that the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Martin, be asked to come to the House for a discussion on live entertainment and the music industry. Senator Black comes from a very cherished position of being an extraordinary musician and singer. Those of us who aspire to that recognise the huge hardship and sacrifices that have been made by those in the music industry since the pandemic began. It is not about divide and conquer; it is about ensuring that we can support that creative culture that has been so challenged in this pandemic. The men and women involved, some of whom I know, are struggling in a variety of ways. Many of them are people who would never have struggled financially, emotionally, mentally or physically, but they are challenged by this pandemic.

I call on the all-star selection committee to rescind the non-selection of any Cork player on this year's all-star team. In congratulating Limerick on its 12 all-stars, I must ask how Patrick Horgan could have been left out of an all-star team in 2021.