The live entertainment sector is calling on the government for a definite date to reopen.
Matt McGranaghan, spokesman for the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland (MEAI) said they “have been summoned to a meeting with Minister Martin on Wednesday next but we hope it won’t be just another case of kicking the can down the road.”
The sector – which has been closed for over 510 days – wants to see a definite plan and date for re-opening of music and other entertainment events and venues from the Minister.
Mr McGranaghan added: “The Taoiseach needs to take this industry and those who work in it more seriously. He needs to intervene now and take control.
“He needs to put pressure on the relevant Departments to create the guidelines and the scenarios to re-opening this industry,”.
MEAI – which represents 5,000 members including musicians, bands, entertainers, DJs and crew – has just launched its #Namethedate campaign to urge the Government to say when they can go back on stage.
The Association has also written to the Taoiseach and other ministers to highlight the fact that while other sectors have successfully reopened, the live entertainment industry remains without a definite plan.
In it, they say: “We are requesting that a date is now given for the full re-opening of the sector.
“Our industry cannot function without the provision for full capacity, and we need a date that shows the full commitment from the Government to get it re-opened,” the letter reads.
They pointed out that the only date their industry is certain of is the 7th of September when the PUP cuts to their members will happen.
The campaign highlights how the industry has been closed for 17 months with 35,000 workers jobless.
