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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021

Thursday, 11 November 2021

Questions (126)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

126. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to respond positively to the requests of an organisation (details supplied) for a package of supports and measures to assist the recovery of those working in music, events and entertainment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55225/21]

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Written answers

Engagement with stakeholders has been at the heart of my Department's response to the Covid pandemic.  My officials and I have met with industry bodies and representatives consistently over the past 20 months.  I have received a copy of the organisations submission and will consider it as I decide how best to continue support for the live entertainment sector into 2022.

Indeed, following consultation with and feedback from the organisation referred to by the Deputy, I ran a number iterations of the MEBAS scheme (Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme).  For example, I added an additional tier to MEBAS to assist very small music businesses with turnover between €15,000 to €20,000.  I also opened a second phase of the scheme to provide additional supports. In excess of 1,000 grants were provided to support businesses under these schemes. I also extended the application deadlines a number of times to ensure people had adequate time to apply.

 At its meeting of 19th of October Government agreed that the remaining aspects of the hospitality, entertainment and night-time economy sector could reopen from October 22nd  with the full range of protective measures in place and the wide and robust implementation of the COVID-19 pass.   This represents an important next step towards the full reopening of our economy and our society, and is a crucial opportunity to return to work for those who work in the live entertainment and events sector. 

I was very cognisant of the challenges the restrictions caused for the arts/culture and live entertainment industry in 2021 and I allocated over €60m to support the sector and drive employment opportunities  through the introduction of the following schemes:

- €25m Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS)

- €16.5m Events Sector Covid Support Scheme (ESCSS)

- €10m Local Live Performance Support Scheme (LLPSS)

- €4m Music and Entertainment Support Scheme (MEBAS)

- €5m Commercial Entertainment Capital Grant Scheme (CECGS)

- €1m St. Patrick's Festival

I have allocated €25m for the live entertainment sector as part of Budget 2022 and I am examining the supports in place for the sector to ensure that available resources are best deployed to meet the needs of the sector to ensure a full recovery is possible. 

As part of Budget 2022, I have maintained the Arts Council allocation at the record-level of €130m. This allocation will allow the Arts Council to continue to protect jobs and livelihoods of artists, and assist arts organisations through financial difficulties.

Other priorities for Budget 2022 was to secure €25m in funding for a pilot Basic Income Guarantee Scheme for artists and arts workers. I plan to launch this pilot scheme early in 2022 and I hope it will provide an important legacy for our artists and creatives.

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