SIPTU representatives say the Government’s new Grassroots Venue Support Scheme (GVSS), the latest support package for the night-time economy, falls drastically short of the investment required to stabilise the sector and protect its workers’ livelihoods.
SIPTU Hospitality Sector Organiser, Áine Feeney, said: “While our Union acknowledges the recognition of the vital role independent venues play in nurturing emerging Irish talent, our members believe the €1 million funding allocation to this scheme, which was announced last week by the Minister of State for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan last week, is insufficient.
“The Government is acknowledging the cultural contribution of these venues. However, it ignores the harsh reality for the people who run them. These hubs cannot function unless the staff are appropriately remunerated.
“We are seeing a sector in freefall since 2020, where many late-night workers, many of whom are students funding their education, remain trapped on precarious zero-hour contracts despite existing legislative provisions. While we welcome the support for venues, the Government must address the wider issues of low pay and instability that define the night-time economy.”
She added: “The GVSS aims to support small, established venues showcasing live music and comedy. However, cultural health cannot be separated from the welfare of the workforce.”
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Robbie Purfield, said: “If we want to foster a resurgence in Irish music, we must ensure these spaces are adequately resourced with well-paid staff. We welcome the requirement that crew and musicians be paid, but this must be underpinned by an enforceable collective agreement across the sector. A one-off fund of €1 million will not solve the systemic issues regarding the space and staff required to maintain these cultural hubs.”
He added: “SIPTU is calling on the Minister to engage in a more comprehensive strategy that moves beyond tokenistic funding and instead focuses on long-term sustainability through fair pay and collective bargaining.”