“The Taoiseach needs to take this industry and those who work in it more seriously."
The live entertainment industry has called for a reopening date ahead of a scheduled meeting with government next week.
The music industry is set to meet with Arts Minister Catherine Martin next week when they hope to hear definite plans to open up the sector.
The live entertainment sector which has been closed for over 510 days said on Sunday that it wants to see a definite plan and date for re-opening of music and other entertainment events and venues from the Minister and the Government.
“We 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”, Matt McGranaghan a spokesman for the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland (MEAI) said.
“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 reopen.
The Association has also written to the Taoiseach and other Government Minister to highlight the fact that while other sectors have successfully re-opened, the live entertainment industry remains without a definite plan.
“We are requesting that a date is now given for the full re-opening of the sector,” the letter states.
“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 only date our industry is certain of is the 7 of September when the PUP cuts to our members will happen.”
The MEAI action coincides with a wider live music industry campaign which is also calling for a definite date for re-opening with full capacity.
