Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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108. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 35 of 13 January 2021, the supports available for arts, entertainment and events companies, particularly for those dependent on weddings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2973/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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An allocation of €50 million was made in Budget 2021 for the live performance sector. It is intended that the rollout of the funding would include measures that will build on grant schemes launched under the July stimulus, such as the pilot "Live Performance Support Scheme" and the "Music Industry Stimulus Package". Officials in my Department have gained valuable insights from these schemes and will apply these learnings when allocating funding this year. Other measures are also under consideration including those which have emerged from engagement with the sector and with stakeholders.

This engagement is ongoing and included a recent meeting between officials of my Department and the Wedding Bands Association. It is hoped that further details and decisions will be announced shortly.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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109. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has met representatives of the commercial live events sector to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on operations; if the current supports from the Government need modification in order to sustain the underlying core of the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2974/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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My Department and I have been engaged on an ongoing basis with the various representative groups from the commercial live events sector including numerous meetings and have listened to the varying views of the sector.

An allocation of €50 million was made in Budget 2021 for the live performance sector. It is intended that the rollout of the funding would include measures that will build on grant schemes launched under the July stimulus, such as the pilot "Live Performance Support Scheme" and the "Music Industry Stimulus Package". Officials in my Department have gained valuable insights from these schemes and will apply these learnings when allocating funding this year. Other measures are also under consideration including those which have emerged from engagement with the sector and with stakeholders. This engagement is ongoing and it is hoped that further details and decision will be announced shortly.