Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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59. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the decision making bodies responsible for the allocation of the funds from the music industry stimulus package; the decision-making methodology used in deciding upon the successful applicants; the amounts awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40629/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Music Industry Stimulus Package of €1.7 million is being managed on behalf of my Department by the music resource organisation, First Music Contact (FMC).

I am advised that all applications received by the deadline were checked for eligibility in the first instance and that all eligible applications were considered by a team of expert panellists. Panellists were required to confirm that they had no conflict of interest in any applications. Panellists who declared a conflict of interest were excluded from that applicants’ adjudication. The panel chair was independent and non-voting.

For the song writing camps and album release applications, two separate sets of 4 expert panellists considered the applications individually. Each panel of 4 then met to agree on scores for all eligible applications and recommend awards.

For recording applications, given the large volume involved, different music genres were initially considered by four separate sets of two expert panellists. The full panel of 8 then met to agree on scores for all eligible applications and recommend awards. The standard of applications was very high and all successful applicants to this fund received maximum scores of 20 out of 20.

Applications were assessed in a competitive context and with consideration of all supporting material. All applications were assessed against criteria of:

a) artistic merit which focused on the applicant’s previous practice as well as on the viability of the proposal

b) how well the applicant met the objectives of the Stimulus Fund

c) track record which the applicant demonstrated through the CVs and other supporting material submitted and

d) details of their proposed activity under the scheme for which they applied.

Full criteria for each scheme are outlined on the FMC website .

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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60. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the process through which a company (details supplied) was selected to be the public relations company assigned to work with successful applicants of the music industry stimulus package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40630/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The digital music distribution company named is based in Dublin. I understand that it is the only company of its kind in Ireland available to the independent music sector which delivers songs to radio, press and industry from one portal.

When releasing music, it is important that artists are able to distribute as widely as possible. Distribution has a significant cost but is recognised as a vital cog in stimulating activity in the sector. Accordingly, I understand that First Music Contact, who is managing the Music Industry Stimulus Package on behalf of the Department, negotiated a favourable reduced rate with the company on behalf of all successful applicants to ensure wide distribution of the supported album releases.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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61. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to run a further fund similar in scope to the music industry stimulus package from the €50 million fund for the non-funded live entertainment sector arising from budget 2021; if she will use the same bodies involved in awarding monies of the stimulus package; if she will alter the manner in which applications are deemed successful and the parameters used to assess who can apply and the amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40631/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The response to the Music Industry Stimulus Package was far in excess of what was anticipated, which reflects both the strength of the music industry in Ireland as well as the current need for support in the absence of live performance income. Before advancing the planning of a further Music Industry Stimulus Package for 2021, an assessment will be carried on the operation of this year's pilot schemes to inform how best to support the music industry in 2021 and beyond.