Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
260. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a person (details supplied) who qualified for the first round of the entertainment support grant but missed the second round given they were not aware that a new round of funding had been announced can submit a late application for supports under this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57079/21]
View answerAs part of a €60 million suite of supports for the live entertainment sector, €16.5m was made available for the Events Sector Covid Support Scheme Phase 1 and Phase 2 (ESCSS). This scheme targeted SMEs in the events sector which were not eligible for the CRSS and for whom the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme and the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID-19 would not make a significant contribution to fixed costs relative to the level of support that that would be available under CRSS, had such SMEs been eligible for that support. Grants were paid on a once-off basis to successful applicants as a contribution to the businesses costs, up to a maximum of €50,000.
Guidelines were made available on Gov.ie prior to both phases of the scheme opening for applications to assist applicants in their preparation, along with a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions section. Applicants could also contact the ESCSS team directly with questions in relation to the scheme and their applications. My Department also provided an online application system for ease of access with clear guidance and instruction therein.
The scheme was widely publicised on my Department’s website on Gov.ie and throughout various social media channels, providing up to date information in relation to the application windows. Several representative and stakeholder groups also published information in relation to the scheme. Phase 2 of this scheme closed for applications on the 31 August and it is not be possible for further applications to be considered.
The Government 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.
