Minister Martin recently established a taskforce to "develop a clear approach, informed by the views of all stakeholders, to protect and sustain the arts and culture sector through the COVID-19 recovery." This initiative and commitment will be fed into the National Economic Plan.

Rapper Denise Chaila and fiddler Martin Hayes have been newly appointed to the taskforce, which is expected to issue their action plan by October 31.

The restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus have had an unprecedented effect on society and on the economy, but the impact on the arts and culture sector has been more detrimental and will undoubtedly last longer than that of any other sector.

The taskforce will "focus on providing intelligence and recommendations for an expected on-going and varying impact of COVID-19 restrictions; identify immediate and medium term goals for recovery and sustainability in the sector; identify possible policy initiatives or impediments to a robust sustainable recovery in the sector."

The complete list of members are:

Arts Council
Business to Arts
Council of the National Cultural Institutions
County and City Management Association (CCMA)
Department of Health
Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht
Department of Social Protection
Ealaín na Gaeltachta
Events Industry Alliance
Irish Congress of Trade Unions
National Campaign for the Arts
Irish Music Rights Organisation
Irish Theatre Institute
Screen Ireland
Screen Producers Ireland
Denise Chaila
Martin Hayes

“Given that the financial and overall detrimental impact of the crisis on the sector is well established, the Taskforce will propose a suite of solutions and actions to ensure the long term sustainability and health of the sector," said Minister Martin. "I am delighted that Clare Duignan has agreed to Chair the Taskforce, bringing as she does breadth and depth of knowledge and experience to the role.”

Speaking of her appointment, Ms Duignan said: “It is crucial that these important sectors are not left behind as we rebuild Ireland through the Covid-19 recovery and beyond. I hope to lead and work with the Taskforce to deliver effective recommendations that will sustain and protect the arts, to help find a way back for artists, performers and live events workers to the audiences and communities they need, and to restore to Irish citizens the creativity and sustenance that the arts and entertainment sectors give us.”