Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was halfway through the supports for 2022 and I will now give other details on additional supports. There is €50 million for the live performance restart grant scheme to support the recovery of the live performance sector. There is €4 million for the music and entertainment business assistance scheme. This is specifically to support small music and entertainment businesses that do not operate out of rateable premises. There is €5 million for local authorities to support local artists and performers through the local live performance support scheme. This scheme in particular has provided thousands of hours of employment for local musicians, artists and crews. There is €5 million to continue the capital support scheme for venues, including for ventilation upgrades and other Covid adaptations.

As the Deputy has seen from what I referenced in the previous response, from the unprecedented funding to the Arts Council, funding for the national cultural institutions and additional support for the live entertainment sector, there is unprecedented support in many funding streams. Artists will see a real benefit from these through this year. The fact we have the basic income pilot happening, which has been called for and spoken about for decades, puts the arts on a positive trajectory in the coming years.

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