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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Questions (243, 249, 257, 258, 259, 260, 262, 263, 264)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

243. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she plans to take to assist artists that are affected by Covid-19 and struggling to survive financially through the crisis taking into account their importance economically, socially and culturally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17137/20]

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Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

249. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken to protect the theatrical arts in view of the damage caused by the Covid-19 recession [16853/20]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

257. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to musicians and the music industry to help overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17409/20]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

258. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to visual artists and the Arts Council to help overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17410/20]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

259. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to actors and those working in drama and producing plays to help overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17411/20]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

260. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to singers and the music industry to help the overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17412/20]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

262. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to local theatres and arts venues to help the overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17414/20]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

263. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to the professional arts music events management sector to help the overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17415/20]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

264. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to musicians and the music industry to help the overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17416/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 243, 249, 257 to 260, inclusive, 262 to 264, inclusive, together.

Primary support for the arts in Ireland is delivered by the Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003. On 16 June a significant investment of €25 million in Arts and Culture in 2020 was announced. This new investment is in addition to and builds on previous funding allocated to the sector. This funding will address immediate priorities to assist with the unique challenges faced by the arts as our society and economy reopens. Artists, arts organisations and culture workers will be supported to continue to create art and innovate. Of this, €20 million has been directed to Arts Council bringing its 2020 allocation to €100 million. A further €5 million is being made available for other measures including securing the future of key cultural and museum spaces and facilities throughout the country and the production of high-quality digital art and on-line performances as well.

Among the measures being introduced will be new bursaries and commissions from the Arts Council, including supports for freelance artists and those looking to develop projects on a collaborative basis. The Department is providing supports for cultural centres including local and regional museums, as well as for new online cultural and creative content to build on the success of programmes such as Ireland Performs and the Other Voices Courage programme.

Organisations and individuals currently funded under the Arts Council Strategic Funding, Arts Centre Funding, Arts Grant Funding and Festival Investment Scheme, Round 1 were advised at the beginning of this crisis that the Arts Council would honour all funding commitments that have been made to them and that there would be no financial penalties for organisations/individuals that are unable to deliver key activities/key services arising from the impact of the COVID-19 virus.

Organisations that face cash flow challenges during this time are able to draw down up to 90% of their Arts Council funding commitment. This should, in turn, assist them in honouring immediate financial commitments. Organisations are asked to prioritise commitments to artists – as this is a particularly challenging time for them.

Last October saw the announcement of a new €4.7m Capital investment scheme for arts and culture centres. The new capital investment scheme is to run until 2022 and is focused on securing and enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres that operate as not-for-profit organisations throughout the country and has a clearly defined arts and culture focus. This funding is made available under the Department's capital plan - Project Ireland 2040 -Investing in our Culture, Language & Heritage 2018 – 2027.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis I recently announced further funding from this capital envelope. It will provide emergency funding to facilitate the safe re-opening of theatres, arts centres and culture venues. The measures are designed to support arts and culture facilities in preparation for staff, artists and audiences returning work in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business and Return to Work Safety Protocols. The Guidelines for the Scheme and Application Form are available on my Department’s website

The Government has also extended its two universal income support measures for all sectors. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment, operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, currently extended to 10 August. The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), operated by the Revenue Commissioners, has been extended to 31 August and allows employers to retain the link with employees so that when the crisis passes, people can get back to work as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

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