John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and this is a debate that many of us requested last week. I thank the Minister and the Leader for facilitating statements this evening on a critical topic.

The Minister is aware the live theatre, arts and events industry has had what can only be described as a torrid 20 months.The impact of closures, curtailments, restricted audiences, social distancing and cancellations has been devastating for lives and livelihoods. This industry adds so much to the rich cultural and social tapestry of our country but it is often misunderstood. I have purposely used the word "industry" because there is a perception that those involved in theatre, the arts, dance and other disciplines and events do it as a hobby, but the reality is that this is a valuable sector which supports many thousands of workers who have, at times, felt undervalued during the pandemic. As a result, there is a degree of scepticism out there which is hard to overcome.

Last week's swift announcement by the Minister of the €50 million support package has allayed some of those fears and demonstrated that the Government is willing to step in to support producers, organisers, groups and performers who have been financially impacted by the capacity limits placed on venues. While I do not understand the logic which says that public transport can operate at 100% while safe venues like theatres can only operate at 50%, I accept the decisions made by the Government on the basis of public health advice. However, it is difficult for us as politicians to explain to the likes of a youngster who was due to go to a pantomime why he or she cannot do so, while Broadway and the West End operate at 100% capacity. We are where we are, however.

I wrote to the Minister on this topic within a couple of hours of the announcement on 7 December and I thank her for taking on some of the suggestions I put in that letter regarding the turnover requirement in reducing the production cost. It has brought so many more people into the net and is extremely welcome. If moneys additional to the €3 million are required under that scheme, I hope they are provided.

I also thank her for taking on board the suggestions put forward by Senator Malcolm Byrne and I last week, when the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, took a Commencement matter we tabled regarding having a funding mechanism through local authorities for community and not-for-profit organisations in the process of putting on productions or midstream in terms of productions. I gave two examples of Waterford Panto Society and the producers of A Christmas Carol at Garter Lane, who made the brave decision to continue with their productions and had to face the logistical challenge of deciding what 50% would attend, and also face significant financial loss. It is important that clarity is brought to the local element of the scheme. It is right and proper that it be administered through the local authority sector because that sector knows and understands those groups best. Urgency is required in respect of this matter.

I will conclude with a general point on the administration of schemes and the at times complex nature of the application process. There is a perception that it is only certain organisations and people that get arts funding repeatedly. Much of that is down to the complex nature at times of the application process. A body of work needs to be done in the Department and the Arts Council to simplify that process and open up those funding streams so the money, as other Senators have said, gets to those who need it most. I thank the Minister and wish her continued success in her role.