Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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279. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the live entertainment fund announced in Budget 2021 will be open to workers and SMEs that work in supporting fields such as communications and public relations and to other workers and SMEs in the non-funded live entertainment sector; the way the fund will be managed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11651/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I am acutely aware of the challenges facing those who rely on live performance to sustain their livelihoods on foot of necessary public health restrictions. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment recently announced the COVID-19 Business Aid Scheme (CBAS) as one of a number of horizontal support across all sectors of the economy. SMEs and Businesses in the non-funded live entertainment sector are eligible to apply under this scheme.

An allocation of €50 million was made in Budget 2021 for the live performance sector. It is envisaged that the rollout of this funding would include measures such as a grant scheme along the lines of the pilot "Live Performance Support Scheme." Officials in my Department have gained valuable insights from this scheme 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 decisions will be announced shortly.

Further information on the business and financial supports my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has in place to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis can be viewed at the following link .

Meanwhile, supports such as the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the CRSS will continue to be made available to those impacted. The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is also available to help maintain people in jobs.