Members from the Performing Arts sector of Ireland held a silent socially-distant protest outside Leinster House today, over the continued closure of their businesses.
The group includes dance school owners, drama and stage school owners, dance teachers, professional dancers and more.
The group say that the sector is being 'discriminated against and forced to remain closed' despite other sports and similar activities being allowed to re-open under the easing of restrictions this
week.
Vicki Graham Owner and Director of Vicki Graham Stage School in Tramore says that people's livelihoods are being severely impacted:
"I know that a lot of other teachers have been saying is that we meet parents out who say 'we really hope that you get to do what you love again soon'.
"It's not only what we love - it's our business and our livelihood.
"We really feel as though we've been left behind. There's an awful lot of other activities and sports that are allowed to return.
"There are children's play centres, individual sports training, gyms and many other businesses that are allowed to re-open but we, unfortunately, aren't. We're looking for clarity around why our sector is being overlooked."
Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins raised the issue in the Seanad earlier this week and met with protesters outside Leinster House today.
He called on Minister Catherine Martin to come before the House to discuss the failure to reopen theatres and stage schools.
Picture: Senator John Cummins @johncumminswaterford Facebook
