Government to explore use of PCR and antigen tests for reopening of arts and events sector

Musicians from Cork City and County gathered for a street march and 'silent protest' in Cork City on Wednesday to highlight that professional musicians have been locked out of work for 15 months and have no road-map to recovery. Picture: Larry Cummins

Catherine Martin said she was developing a re-opening plan for the arts and events sector "at the earliest possible date".

The Tourism and Culture Minister has written to the Department of Health to see if PCR and antigen tests could be used to reopen live entertainment, and also announced changes to two key schemes that support the live entertainment sector, while stating she hoped to have a plan to reopen by the end of August.