Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
259. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason applications to the live performance support scheme from companies that host bingo are being rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33158/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the €50 million suite of supports for the live entertainment sector, I recently announced 237 grant allocations under the €25m Live Performance Support Scheme. This scheme aims to assist commercial venues, producers and promoters to plan live performances across the country over the summer months, supporting employment and well-being opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public.
There was a high level of interest in this scheme, with over 400 imaginative and diverse applications submitted requesting funding of over €80m, given the available funding of €25 million, difficult decisions had to be made and it was not be possible to award grants to everyone who applied. I acknowledge and appreciate the work and effort that went into preparing these applications, however given the volume of applications received, it was not possible to allocate funding to all eligible applicants.
Recipients of this funding range from small to large venues, producers and promoters, supporting live events in every county, including festivals, concerts, theatre productions, comedy and outdoor events.
