Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Ceisteanna (938, 941, 946)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

938. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports being put in place to assist employees in the event and arts sector. [12027/20]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

941. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is considering financial support packages for those in the music industry, including artists and producers whose livelihoods have been severely impacted by Covid-19; if she will provide clarity as to when live music in venues can recommence in particular small gigs in local bars; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12061/20]

Peter Burke

Ceist:

946. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has liaised with the Departments of Health and the Taoiseach on reviewing the possibility of reducing the 2 m social distancing to one metre in cultural and arts venues and for live music with the use of masks; if she is considering initiatives for artists and musicians to support them financially during this difficult period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12208/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 938, 941 and 946 together.

In accordance with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, Phase 3 is scheduled for 29th June. On this date it is proposed that museums, galleries, theatres, concert halls and other cultural outlets may reopen subject to restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice.

Updates to the roadmap can be found at www.gov.ie. The Roadmap is a living document and Government has demonstrated great flexibility in its decisions around the phases as set out in the original Roadmap. Organisations should review the Roadmap and the updates carefully and carry out a detailed assessment of their activities with regard to the continuing public health measures.

All decisions by Government on the implementation of the Roadmap will be informed by the public health advice at the time.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for organisations in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. The Protocol sets out in very clear terms for employers, and employees the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. Further guidance is available from the Health and Safety Authority which is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol in the workplace. The HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or [e-mail].

With regards to the arts and cultural sector, Theatre Forum has published guidelines for the reopening of arts centres and these have been adopted by the Arts Council. These guidelines should assist arts centres and other cultural facilities throughout the country to consider how they might prepare to re-open under totally changed circumstances. The guidelines recognise arts centres as places of work for artists, and as places for audiences to participate and engage with the arts. They are available at this link https://www.theatreforum.ie/assets/uploads/Re-opening-Arts-Centres_Doc-v.1.1.pdf

The Arts Council established a short-term Advisory Group in early May to identify ways to address impacts of the Covid-19 Crisis on the sector. This group brought together a number of leading voices from the arts and other sectors. This Group has now reported to the Council and the Council has published the report. The report makes key recommendations including creating an immediate Survival Fund. Details of this report can be accessed here. http://www.artscouncil.ie/News/Arts-Council-welcomes-report-from-Covid-19-Expert-Advisory-Group/

Last week, the Taoiseach and I announced €25 million in extra supports to help the Arts and Culture sector recover from the Covid19 Emergency in 2020. This is additional to funding previously allocated to the sector.

A total of €20 million will be allocated to the Arts Council bringing its allocation this year to €100 million. This funding will allow the Council to ensure the survival of the sector and will include bursaries and commissions to artists and arts organisations as they prepare for the re-opening of society.

A further €5 million will be available for other measures, including securing the future of key cultural and museum spaces and facilities throughout Ireland, and the production of high-quality digital art and on-line performances.

My Department continues to engage with relevant Departments, including the Department of Health and the Department of An Taoiseach in relation to the overall Government and individual sectoral responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.