The Government has a number of universal supports in place for all sectors including the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme for employers operated by the Revenue Commissioners and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment operated by the Department of Social Protection and Rural Development and the Islands. In addition to these there are jobseekers benefit and jobseekers assistance schemes as well as Jobseekers Assistance for Self-Employed Artists. Further detail of these schemes can be accessed at the following link https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/4cf0e2-covid-19-coronavirus-information-for-employers-and-employees-test/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0b6a34-advice-for-employers-and-employees/
The Arts Council is the main route through which the Government funds the arts and artists in Ireland. The 2020 allocation to the Council is €100 million and it includes an additional €20 million allocated last month. The Arts Council has indicated that it will allocate the additional funding to bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations.
With to the question of airplay, I understand that traditional and contemporary arts are among the categories set out the Broadcasting Act, 2009 as being eligible for funding under the Sound and Vision Scheme which is supported by 7% of TV licence fee receipts.
There are a number of factors which must be taken into account when considering the feasibility of introducing broadcasting content quotas. The potential benefit to the Irish artistic industry must be balanced with the rights of broadcasters, subject to their contractual or regulatory obligations, to determine the type of content they wish to broadcast and to maximise their commercial revenue particularly in the context of the current media climate. Importantly, the introduction of broadcasting quotas would need to be consistent with EU law.
My Department has also supported a range of initiatives to bring cultural and creative content to the public during the period of restrictions. These include Culture Ireland's Ireland Performs initiative, the Courage programme in partnership with Other Voices, as well as the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions. These measures has showcased the work of artists to large national and international audiences and provided opportunities for paid work for artists and other arts workers at a time when few alternative opportunities were available.
