Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
321. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will extend the closing date for the live performance re-start scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23269/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGuidelines for the Live Performance Restart Grant Scheme were made available on Gov.ie prior to the scheme opening for applications to assist applicants in their preparation. My Department also provided an online application system for ease of access with clear guidance and instruction therein and a dedicated email inbox for queries.
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 window. This scheme was open for 4 weeks and closed for applications at 1pm on 20 April. I have currently no plans to reopen the scheme. Applications are being now being assessed and the payments process will commence shortly.
Throughout the pandemic I have been very cognisant of the challenges the restrictions caused for the arts, culture and live entertainment industry and I remain committed to the live entertainment sector as the industry recovers following the lifting of all restrictions in January.
To this end I have provided a €50 million suite of supports for the live performance sector in 2022 including;
- €4m allocated for the MEBAS 2022 (Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme) scheme specifically to support small music and entertainment businesses;
- €20 million was allocated for the LPSS 3 (Live Performance Support Scheme) to support events which were due to be staged in December 2021 and January 2022 and have been curtailed, cancelled or rescheduled due to the restrictions;
- €5m was allocated for the LPSS- Strand II to support pantomime and seasonal musical theatre impacted by the Covid restrictions in place in December and January.
- €5m for Local Authorities to support local artists and performances through the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme).
- €5m to continue the capital supports scheme (CECGS) to venues, including for ventilation upgrades and other COVID adaptations. This scheme is open for applications until 31 May 2022, and
- €1m for the Saint Patrick's Festival 2022.
- €15m has been allocated for the Live Performance Restart Grant Scheme (LPRGS). The scheme aims to help underpin the recovery of the live performance sector by providing business restart grants to successful applicants as a support to de-risk the planning of events across spring and summer of 2022.
