Comedians have called for an end to what they describe as a "legislative blind spot" that prevents them from being considered for arts funding in Ireland.
The Arts (Recognition of Comedy) (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to amend the existing legislation by adding the word "comedy" after "circus" in the definition of the arts.
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh, who introduced the bill, said it was "very small, very short" and aimed to end "discrimination" against comedians.
TDs and senators criticised the Government's decision to delay the bill for 18 months, describing the move as "exceptionally disappointing" and "not good enough".
At a briefing in Leinster House on Thursday, comedian Ailish McCarthy, who has led the campaign, said comedy "is not a fringe pursuit, but a vital pillar of Irish artistic life".
She said the change would create a "legislative pathway" allowing comedians to be supported by the Arts Council in the same way as theatre, dance, literature, film and music.
"The omission of comedy has enormous consequences," she said. "Comedians, stand-ups, improvisers and sketch performers are automatically excluded from applying for support. For a country that prides itself on its wit and world-class storytelling, that is both an irony and an injustice."
Ms McCarthy said many people who want to pursue comedy professionally move to the UK, and that passing the bill would send the message: "Stay, your work matters and your art belongs here."
Comedian Sinéad Crilly, who performs as Shinanane Higgins, said she did not want to emigrate but found it difficult to make a living in Ireland.
"It feels like for working-class people, there’s money for all the nice violin players and everything, but not for people doing the arts that are more for the working class," she said.
Ciarán McMahon, a comedian for over two decades, said performing comedy in Ireland was "the hardest thing in the world".
"The life of a comedian is spent in attics and basements," he said. "It gets very competitive because some clubs rely on bar support just to open on quiet nights."
He said he once pitched a Halloween improv show for children but was "immediately dismissed" because it involved comedy. "So then you start lying," he added, "and you try to get it in under another title."
Mr Ó Snodaigh said Arts Minister Patrick O’Donovan had delayed the bill for 18 months before it could move to committee stage. "There’s no reason for the delay," he said. "It’s just delaying tactics."
Sinn Féin TD Johnny Mythen said 18 months was "too long", adding: "It’s one word in a bill. It’s not good enough."
Independent Senator Victor Boyhan described the delay as "exceptionally disappointing", while Fine Gael TD Brian Brennan, who voiced support for the campaign, asked: "Who has the divine right to say what an artist is?"
Mr Ó Snodaigh replied, "The Minister for Arts," prompting laughter from the audience.
Source: Press Association
