Go-ahead likely for live events from start of next week

Live events will be given the green light to resume from next Monday onwards under plans due to be considered by the Government today.

The Cabinet Covid-19 subcommittee met yesterday to formulate the latest approach to the reopening of society.

Under the proposals due to be approved, indoor venues could use up to 60 per cent of their capacity to host events for those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Capacity for outdoor events could rise to 75 per cent but again only for those who are vaccinated.

Sources said there may be provisions made for those who are not vaccinated but that the details of this have not yet been agreed.

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The change raises questions of whether more people might be permitted to attend the All-Ireland Senior Football Final between Mayo and Tyrone on September 11th. The GAA said it would not comment on the matter until there is an official announcement. However, a source said it is unlikely the Association will accept an arrangement where it has to confirm people are vaccinated before granting admission.

Minister for Culture Catherine Martin said she was “optimistic” the live music and events sector would begin a phased reopening from early next month.

She held a meeting with industry stakeholders yesterday morning which was also attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

Optimistic

The Taoiseach is understood to have told the meeting that he wanted the sector reopened as soon and safely as possible.

Ms Martin said: “What I was looking for was an early September phased return for live music and events and I remain optimistic about that.”

She said the industry had been clear in asking that actual dates be provided and that these would be agreed during the full Cabinet meeting today.

Live music at weddings would also recommence from September 6th under the plan going to Cabinet.

“They need that clarity,” the Minister said of those in the sector. “Also in terms of indoor dance and drama and arts for children, it was emphasised that involves over 250,000 children and that is something I am seeking to recommence in September in a phased way as well.”

It is likely that these activities, such as after-school drama, will resume from September 20th.

Asked whether proof of vaccination would be needed for the sector as part of the reopening plan, she said: “I believe so for that first phase to make sure that we can have them reopened and performing again.”

In relation to the Electric Picnic festival, she said the engagement with organisers and other departments had continued over the weekend.

The Event Industry Alliance (EIA) said it called for the full reopening of indoor and outdoor events for the fully vaccinated, along with industry supports.

The group has also said it sought that extra financial supports be put in place for the sector. It is understood the latest reopening plan will include detail of sector-specific supports for those still out of work because of restrictions.

The EIA said it sought “a confirmed reopening date for full capacity events, and a strategy to achieve same” but that the Government failed to provide either despite the sector being the only one mandated to remain closed for nearly 18 months.

“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.”