Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Although the UK may be ahead of us in vaccinations, we have responded with many supports. Hopefully, it is not too long before we catch up with it in terms of reopening. Rest assured, my officials and I are in engagement with the sector. That is how I started as a Minister and it is how I will continue.

I am acutely aware that the sector needs time to plan, rehearse and engage audiences in advance of reopening, the lead-in time about which the Deputy spoke. I will continue to advocate for the sector to ensure it has the supports and pathways needed as we emerge from the crisis.

The €25 million live performance support scheme has built on the successful pilot of that scheme in 2020. Much work also went into the allocation of €14 million to be made available in the music and entertainment business assistance scheme to help those who had not received support up until now. That is €2,500 for businesses with a VAT exclusive turnover of €20,000 to €100,000, and €5,000 for businesses with a VAT exclusive turnover in excess of €100,000. I am also liaising with the Tánaiste to look at anyone else in the events sector who needs support and who has not been reached to date.

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