Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
913. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if musical societies such as those within a centre (details supplied) are eligible to apply for funding support under the Covid-19 related schemes from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12726/20]
View answerThe Government has introduced a range of measures aimed at supporting organisations during the coronavirus crisis. Organisation such as that referred to by the Deputy, can avail of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners to allow it to retain its employees for the duration of the crisis. The Government has extended the scheme until 31 August. If the organisation is unable to retain some or all employees, they can avail of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment which is operated by the Department of Social Protection and Rural Development and the Islands.
Earlier this month in light of the challenges faced by the arts and culture sector, Government allocated an additional €20 million to the Arts Council bringing its 2020 allocation to a total of €100 million. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is independent in its decisions on funding and I as Minister cannot intervene. The Council has indicated that it will provide funding to include bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations. It has also said that it will take a national and local approach to the survival of strategic arts organisations, particularly arts centres and other buildings-based organisations to meet financial commitments for 2020.
