The Event Industry Alliance (EIA) have expressed their ‘disappointment’ following a meeting with Minister Catherine Martin today. The group which represents workers from across the live music, theatre and events sectors has called on the Minister to publish a roadmap for reopening the sector in Ireland which has been successfully reopened across the UK and EU recently.

Thousands of people saw Fontaines D.C. perform in Custom House Square, Belfast – including many attendees who had travelled up from the Republic – and attended Stendhal Festival in Northern Ireland over the weekend, while gigs down south remain at a limited capacity making them predominantly unviable.

Fontaines DC – Custom House Square Belfast – 13 Aug 2021 – ©Glen Bollard

“We are deeply disappointed that there still is no confirmed reopening date, despite being mandated to close for 17 months, and ongoing requests for meaningful engagement with all sectors within our industry,” said Dan MacDonnell of The Event Industry Alliance in a statement issued by the group following the meeting.

The EIA are calling on the government to provide clarity and guidance and reiterated their key proposals for reopening:

1) A SAFE reopening date from 1^st September 2021 for those full vaccinated at full capacity for indoor and outdoor events. These events need to be a viable and Food & Beverages should be allowed as this is a key source of income.

2) Vital industry business and workers supports remain in place and are extended until June 2022.

3) Meaningful engagement with Minister Martin & her department including schedule of weekly review meetings.

4) The sector are prepared to go above and beyond – Enhanced safety measures to include advance lead party registration/entry temperature checks/one way system/Children under 12 allowed with a fully vaccinated adult.

5) Urgent need for a “whole of government approach” and cross departmental collaboration, as a significant part of our industry still stands on the side lines with little or no engagement and are being bounced from department to department.

NEWDAD supporting Fontaines DC – Custom House Square Belfast – 13 Aug 2021 – ©Glen Bollard

The EIA stressed the urgent need for cross department collaboration to ensure a strong aligned reopening of the €3.5bn industry. The EIA thanked Minister Martin for attending the meeting but were dismayed at the absence of An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and other top Ministers.

“We acknowledged the fact that the Minister Catherine Martin took the time to meet with our industry representatives however we were disappointed that An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, or Minister Stephen Donnelly did NOT attend today’s meeting. While we also acknowledge that representatives from the ministers’ departments did attend, this was the first time this has happened. The sector requires a whole cross Government approach to ensure that the severity of the situation that the Industry now finds itself in is fully appreciated. In addition, we are very concerned that after 17 months of closure each group had just a two to three minute opportunity to make a contribution towards the proposed reopening roadmap. This does not amount to constructive engagement but we do hope that this is a start.”

Goat Girl supporting Fontaines DC – Custom House Square Belfast – 13 Aug 2021 – ©Glen Bollard

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection Claire Kerrane TD has also called on Minister Heather Humphreys to give clarity to workers in the live entertainment sector about the future of financial supports they receive.

“Today Minister Catherine Martin is meeting with representatives of the live entertainment sector to discuss the government’s ongoing failure to provide a roadmap for the industry to reopen safely.

“I welcome that this engagement is taking place, after those in the sector have been urging the government to act for so long.

“However, I would also urge Minister Heather Humphreys to act urgently and give workers in the sector certainty around income supports.

“Cuts to pandemic income supports are coming down the tracks in less than 3 weeks. The current PUP rates of €350, €300 and €250 will be reduced by €50. These cuts will see many workers, including those in the live entertainment sector, currently on the a Pandemic Unemployment Payment rate of €203 being moved to Jobseekers payments.

“Over 29,000 people received €203 this week and so it is this cohort who will be moved to Jobseekers payments from September.

“Jobseeker’s Allowance is a means tested payment in which entire household income is taken into account. This will have a huge impact on the finances of people who are already put at the pin of their collar.

“A plan for reopening is important, but it is also vital that Minister Humphreys outlines what the future will be for financial supports for those who remain unable to work due to public health restrictions.

“I have met this week with the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland (MEAI) who have sought several meetings with Minister Humphrey to discuss their concerns.

“I contacted Minister Humphreys after this meeting urging her to meet with the MEAI to hear them out.

“This isn’t an acceptable situation and Minister Humphreys should have the decency to meet with them and provide them with an update on this important issue.

“Many workers in this sector will be deeply anxious as the PUP cuts draw closer without them knowing what their future finances will look like. The Minister needs to re-consider these changes and the implications it will have on workers in the Arts Sector who cannot work through no fault of their own.”