Seanad debates

Thursday, 16 December 2021

Live Industry Supports: Statements

 

10:30 am

Photo of Shane CassellsShane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is very welcome. It is sad and unfortunate these restrictions are necessary as a result of the health situation and where we find ourselves. It was such a fantastic period when we had full auditoriums back again. At the end of November and start of December, I was lucky enough to attend three live shows with full houses over three weekends, demonstrating my wide taste in various types of music, as Senator Malcolm Byrne will attest, from our own internationally acclaimed Brian Byrne from Navan who appeared along with a host of music stars at the Solstice Arts Centre in Navan, to Gary Barlow live in the 3Arena and the "Sunday Miscellany" live Christmas performance in the National Concert Hall. The joy on people's faces at being at those live events was fantastic to see.

What is notable - I do not have to say it to the Minister or anyone else here to discuss this issue - is the massive amount of employment that is generated behind the scenes of all these live events, particularly the big live shows. Many people, not just the performers, are dependent on these events for their income. The Minister alluded to that in her speech. It is notable. I know that, with her other hat on, she is taking account of the tourism that spins off from live events, especially the big live shows in the 3Arena, for the hotel and hospitality industry. There is no doubt that, of all the Ministers, she has been faced with one of the most challenging scenarios arising from Covid and the impact on the people she represents. She has tried valiantly, such as by ensuring performances could take place in safe outdoor spaces in summer. I praise her for that and for trying to demonstrate ways the sector could still function.

The funding of €50 million announced last week is significant. The Minister referred to the broad range of associated supports. Of particular importance are the mental health supports for those impacted. I praise her for doing that.

The passion the Minister has for this was evident from her speech. Her background is clearly a factor in that regard. She mentioned that she busked on Grafton Street in years gone by. The issue of musicians who do not qualify for the schemes that have been announced is problematic. Such musicians may end up falling between two stools in this regard in that they do not perform at ticketed events but only play small gigs at clubs and so forth. We need to ensure the funding will trickle down to those who are struggling and need it the most. It is important these musicians who are passionate about their artistic performance are not squeezed as a result of not being able to qualify. Those who were previously able to eke out a living have experienced massive losses in income in the past 22 months. They are all self-employed people, and in the past 22 months there has only been a very small window when they could be operational. The Minister mentioned supports such as the music and entertainment business assistance scheme and others that were provided and are very welcome. It comes down to the qualification for those schemes and the demonstration of associated business costs. Many of these people are small self-employed people and will struggle to get the various pieces of required documentation together.

The amount of money is significant. Will it be sufficient to provide for all those who wish to qualify? The Minister has done exceptionally well to acquire that funding, but what would she like to see beyond it in terms of making sure the people she mentioned actually receive the support they require? I am sure she is aware that a lot more funding is probably needed. She mentioned in her speech and when she announced the funding last week that there are other ways in which this issue could be tackled and that she is examining how further supports can be provided to the broader events sector. In what ways could that be done? Is it a question of liaising with other Departments, such as the Department of Social Protection, to see what help they can provide? That has to be examined. I thank the Minister for being present. We wish her well in the work she is doing.

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