Calls For New Regulations On People Calling Themselves ‘Comedians’

THERE has been renewed calls for regulation this week to deal with people calling themselves comedians, specifically in the cases in which individuals are not actually being funny at all.

So far an online petition asking for Government intervention into the matter has gained 2.5mn signatures in just 24 hours, forcing Taoiseach Enda Kenny to address the issue in the Dáil this afternoon.

In his statement, Mr. Kenny promised to impose strict criteria for individuals wishing to pursue a career in comedy, stating that a new ‘Laughter Pass’ will be implemented next year.

“This worrying trend of people uploading ridiculous videos of themselves to the internet and calling themselves comedians has got to stop,” the Taoiseach told members of the Dail. “Most of the stuff is not funny and could potentially harm the entertainment industry. From February 2016, this Government will impose a Laughter Pass for those seeking employment in the comic sector and will have to go through a series of tests to prove they are funny.”

Following a large applause and a standing ovation from the chamber, Mr. Kenny outlined the new program, which will force some 1.5 million so-called comedians in Ireland to re-evaluate whether they’re funny or not.

“Each comedian will have to go through an intensive four week course in comedy before a final two-hour ‘stand-up’ test, which will be judged by the new Minister for Comedy, Eamon Gilmore,” He said. “There will be a total of ten laughter passes for the whole country, which should stem this ridiculous tide of unfunny bastards.”