Stephen Donnelly's advice for children not to attend pantos ‘incomprehensible’

'The theatre is the safest place that children could go because it's a controlled environment'

Sophie Motley, artistic director of The Everyman, Cork: 'We know that we can provide a safe experience for children and their families at our pantos.'

A “senseless” introduction of restrictions, which would see children turned away from this year’s pantomime, would be a "final blow" to Cork’s arts industry, the artistic director of The Everyman has warned.

Sophie Motley slammed as "incomprehensible" plans by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly for pantomime shows to continue but for children not to attend. Mr Donnelly said that supports would be offered to businesses affected.