The live entertainment industry has said it is “angry and frustrated” following a crunch meeting to get the sector back on track.
The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) met with Minister Catherine Martin, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar on Monday morning but said the Government has “failed” to meet its requests.
Reps want to see a return of indoor and outdoor events at full capacity.
A spokeswoman said: “We outlined our demands for the full reopening of indoor and outdoor events for the fully vaccinated, along with vital industry supports to enable the sector’s recovery.
“Despite EIA specifically writing to Government in advance of this meeting, highlighting our sectors‘ expectations, and requesting a confirmed reopening date for full capacity events, and a strategy to achieve same - the Government failed to provide either.”
But Minister Catherine Martin said the meeting was positive and also indicated indoor events would resume in early September with the use of vaccine passes.
Ms Martin was speaking outside Government Buildings after meeting with representatives from the live entertainment industry.
She said the live entertainment industry will be given dates for when they can return to work.
She said she is also seeking a return for drama and dance classes for children across the country and wants those classes as well as indoor sports to return on a phased basis in September.
When asked about the use of vaccine certs, she said: “I believe so, for that first phase to make sure we can have them reopened and perform again that would be, I think, required for the indoor entertainment in September.
“I think it was a very positive engagement with the Taoiseach and the Tanáiste.. timely that it happened ahead of the Covid committee this evening.
“And look, I’m positive about what I was looking for was an early September phased return for live music and events.
“I remain optimistic about that before we go into this meeting.
“The industry has always been clear that dates are needed and that’s what will be provided tomorrow.
“They need that clarity.
“Also in terms of indoor dance and drama and arts for children..it was emphasised that those classes involve over 250,000 children and that is something that I’m seeking to recommence in September, in a phased way as well.”
She said there is still “ongoing engagement” with the relevant Departments over whether Electric Picnic will go ahead.
She said: “I’ve no update, there is still ongoing engagement and there has been all over the weekend.”
The EAI said they pleaded with the Government that they “stop compounding the hardship suffered” by the sector, for nearly 18 months.
They want an early September safe reopening date implemented for those fully vaccinated to attend full capacity indoor and outdoor events.
They say events must be viable with food and beverage sales a key source of income for events.
They want vital business and employee supports to remain in place and be extended until June 2022, to help allow the sector recover.
A spokeswoman said: “To enable this, the establishment of a rapid cross government departmental and sector focused group, to establish specific sector supports and deliver recommendations within 14 days.”
The EAI have called for engagement to continue across Government including more meetings with Minister Martin, the Taoiseach and Tanáiste “until a full reopening is achieved.”
“We continue to be disappointed and frustrated at the total lack of urgency on the part of Government for the reopening of the Event Industry, which represents 35,000 people and is worth €3.5 billion to the Irish economy.
“This is despite being the only sector mandated to remain closed for nearly 18 months, far beyond any other industry or sector within Ireland.”
