Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
591. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will address the case of a person (details supplied) regarding funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19986/22]
View answerAs part of a €50 million suite of supports for the live entertainment sector, an allocation of €4m was made available for the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) to make a contribution to the overheads of businesses, specifically musicians and related crew, that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19 and that do not qualify for other business supports.
Under the scheme, self employed businesses including musicians, singers, lighting and sound crew and audio equipment suppliers operating exclusively within the commercial live entertainment sector were eligible to apply.
The application to which the Deputy refers was refused based on the information submitted. I am advised however that the Department is in contact with the applicant and has been made aware of the appeals process for this scheme through which further information can be supplied.
