Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
243. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if changes have been made to eligibility criteria for the Covid restrictions support scheme to ensure workers in the music and entertainment sectors can avail of the scaffolding funding they were promised before budget 2021 if they do not have a business premises. [43132/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) is a matter for the Minister for Finance as are terms and conditions for its receipt as well as an changes to eligibility. I understand that the CRSS is a targeted support for businesses significantly impacted by restrictions introduced by the Government under public health Regulations to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In general, support provided under CRSS is intended to enable some businesses with business premises to meet normal fixed costs associated with their business premises such as rent, insurance, utilities and so on, during the period which they are subject to such restrictions.
A range of measures was announced as part of Budget 2021 to support the arts and culture sectors and in particular the music and entertainment sectors. In Ireland, the Government provides primary support for the arts, including the music sector, through the Arts Council. Government funding to the Arts Council in 2021 will amount to €130m which is an increase of 62% over the amount initially allocated for 2020. Much of this funding is being allocated to the music sector, including to many who have never before received funding from the Council.
In addition to the significant increase in Arts Council funding, the Government has allocated €50 million specifically for live entertainment in 2021 and this will include measures for the commercial entertainment sector. Officials in my Department are engaged in a consultation process to allow stakeholders have an input into how this funding will be disbursed. The operation of the pilot Live Performance Support Scheme, which operated during the autumn and will shortly be completed, will provide insights for the allocation of the funding next year.
The response to and the demand for the Music Industry Stimulus Package and the pilot Live Performance Support Scheme, which was far in excess of what was anticipated, will also inform the Department in this regard.
There are a number of financial supports, training and guidance in place by Government to help business mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and work safely. Details of these can be accessed at the following link https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
