An Taoiseach Micheal Martin has issued a message of hope to the entertainment and live music sector after months of restrictions.
He said NPHET is due to meet next week on the matter and says he is “hopeful” that they will be able to relax some measures.
Nightclubs remain closed across the country, while all other entertainment venues must close at 8:00 pm.
Indoor locations can only have seated shows at this point of the pandemic and must abide by a strict cap of 50% attendance or 1,000 people - whichever is lower.
Outdoor live events have also been capped at 50% attendance or 5,000 people - whichever is lower.
Covid passes are a necessity for indoor events and table service can only operate in live venues and bars, subject to strict adherence to the following conditions:
- 1 metre between tables
- A maximum of fifteen per table (including minors), with no more than six adults.
- There can be no multiple table bookings
- No intermingling between tables
- Masks must be worn when not at the table
With many patiently awaiting the recovery of the industry, an Taosieach Micheal Martin gave some indication that changes are on the way.
Speaking this afternoon at the opening of The Irish Institute of Music and Song in Dublin he said: “Certainly we are making progress in respect of Covid and in respect of Omicron which has been a very transmissible variant, and in its own way then makes gatherings potentially challenging
“That said, I want to pay tribute to the sector for their great tolerance of these challenges, and for keeping with it by having many performances during the day and for really trying to innovate around the restrictions
“The restrictions are very severe on the sector so there’s no point in saying otherwise.”
He went on to say that NPHET will meet next week, and will look at the trajectory of the virus before making any final decisions for the sector.
“So we are making progress against Omicron and there will be a meeting of NPHET next week and I would hope that we would be in a position to move forward in terms of the current restrictions,” he said.
“But I’m not in a position to say anything just yet, it will be down to what the Public Health people are saying and also where Omicron is.
“But so far it isn’t translating into many ICU attendances and the case numbers seem to be levelling so we are hopeful.”
