COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, which spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. In certain settings, such as weddings, higher noise levels due to music, can force people into close proximity, requiring them to raise their voices or shout to communicate thus increasing the risk of spreading virus to others. Such activities present a higher risk of transmission of COVID-19. Accordingly the existing Government decision remains in place that no live or loud music is permitted at weddings receptions. As the Deputy is aware, Government will be reviewing COVID restrictions at the end of the month and again in July.
In the meantime, it is hoped to begin hosting a limited number of pilot live events for live entertainment, both indoor and outdoor commencing in June, depending on the epidemiological situation at the time and subject to the rollout of the vaccination programme. Every option for the safe roll out of these events will be considered.
With regard to the meeting between Department officials and the association to which the Deputy refers, I understand that discussions focused on considerations relating to the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS), the details of which are currently being finalised. This scheme aims to contribute towards the ongoing overheads of businesses and sole-traders operating exclusively within the commercial live entertainment sector that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19 but do not qualify for other available business supports. Members of the association in question will be able to apply for support under the MEBAS when the scheme opens for applications next month.