Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media to discuss challenges due to Covid-19 faced by arts venues, theatres and restaurants

The meeting at 12.30pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will be split into two sessions.

From 12.30-2pm:

·       Representatives from the Arts Council;

·       Representatives from Theatre Forum;

·       Representatives from the Drama League of Ireland

·       Representatives from the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland; and

·       Representatives from Association of Irish Musical Societies.

From 2.05-2.30pm:

·       Paul Treyvaud, Treyvaud’s Restaurant, Killarney, Co Kerry.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Niamh Smyth said: “The latest news that the opening of indoor hospitality has been delayed yet again due to fears around the rise of the Covid Delta variant is another devastating blow to restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as for arts venue and theatres. However, the speed and success of the ongoing vaccination programme gives us hope that these sectors will soon be able to reopen once the majority of people are fully vaccinated. The Committee looks forward to hearing from representatives of the arts venue and theatres and Mr Treyvaud about the challenges they now face in dealing with Covid and planning for reopening over the summer, particularly in light of the latest delay to indoor hospitality announced by the Government.”

The Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.