Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, Gary Gannon, has insisted that representatives of the commercial live events sector be included on a special Government taskforce for the recovery of the arts and culture.
Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson for the Arts, said:
“The thousands of workers in the live events sector will have drawn little comfort from yesterday’s announcement of the Government’s medium-term strategy for living with Covid-19.
“Even though this sector was one of the first to be impacted by restrictions, it is clear from the new plan that a full resumption of live concerts and events is still a long way off.
“I have written to the Minister for Arts, Catherine Martin TD, asking her to commit to ensuring representation from the commercial live events sector on her taskforce for the recovery of arts and culture.
“This subsection of workers are the least likely to return to their jobs anytime soon. Proper financial supports need to be put in place to protect their livelihoods and help secure the very survival of live events and cultural activities in Ireland at the other side of the Covid-19 crisis.”
September 16, 2020