Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2020
109. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports available to a group (details supplied) that seem to be ineligible for any of the current supports other than the basic wage subsidies set out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34383/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorkers in the arts sectors, particularly those engaged in performances were among the first to be impacted in the country’s public health response to the crisis and they will be among the last to return to work. Many are shut, or hugely curtailed, yet these are activities which we hugely value as a soceity and which are important for mental wellbeing. As Minister, I am fully aware of the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has and continues to have on the sectors that my Department supports
I note that the Group to which the Deputy refers is receiving the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme in respect of its members/employees and it is therefore constituted as a business and there are a wide range of supports available to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The guide to business supports booklet gives details of the key supports and resources available to help businesses and is available at this link https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Supports-for-businesses-COVID-19.html. In addition the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has a Business Support Call Centre for information on the government supports available to businesses and enterprises affected by COVID-19 and can be contacted at +353 1 631 2002 or infobusinesssupport@dbei.gov.ie
Further details of financial supports can be viewed on gov.ie website at a dedicated webpage that can be accessed at the following link https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/. These include income supports, loans, grants, vouchers and schemes, rates waiver and tax measures as well as skills and training supports.
In Budget 2021, the Government announced the provision of support of €50m for the live entertainment sector. This will include measures for the commercial entertainment sector and will support live entertainment across the country. The 2021 supports for the live entertainment sector will be the subject of further consultation with stakeholders. It will also be informed by the pilot live performance scheme in 2020 which is being rolled out now.
Earlier in the autumn, a project called the Music Industry Stimulus Package was managed on behalf of my Department by First Music Contact. The Package was targeted at professional musicians and their teams to support song-writing camps, recording and album releases. While this scheme is now closed, my Department will consider its continuation in the future.
