Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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106. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider developing and promoting Ireland as the new and automatic events hub for the European tour events crewing industry (details supplied) given that the UK is outside of the EU post Brexit, and in view of Ireland's international reputation in arts and culture; if a fund will be made available to that end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24853/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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In 2021, in order to support and develop the arts, culture, audio-visual and live entertainment sectors in Ireland Government has committed additional resources of €135m representing a 74% increase on the allocation at the outset of 2020. These funds support artists, arts organisations and production companies to sustain through this crisis period and make a vital contribution to the recovery of our society.

This additional funding includes a €25 million allocation for the Live Performance Support Scheme, part of a €50m suite of measures to support the live entertainment sector and provide vital support and opportunities for continued activity in the sector. The measures are aimed at providing significant job contracts for all workers in the live entertainment sector, including musicians, actors, crew and technicians. The supports in place also ensure that artists and arts workers will be well placed to avail of international opportunities once it is safe to do so thereby reaffirming Ireland's global cultural reputation.

The Government encourages the development of sustainable, high skilled sectors that add productive value though domestic and international activity. Ireland is constantly developing our European relations for the benefit of artists and professionals. In relation to European touring by artists and professionals, Ireland is currently represented through Music From Ireland's Vice Chairmanship of the European Music Exporters Exchange. They have delivered a comprehensive report to the European Commission which aims to generate new knowledge and approaches to European music export through research and innovative pilot actions and are currently working on the delivery of an Export Toolbox for European artists and professionals. Details are available on the following link: .

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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107. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress to date in determining eligibility for the live performance support scheme in the case of a company (details supplied); when a decision is likely to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24859/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Live Performance Support Scheme 2021 (LPSS 2021) was launched to assist in the employment of artists, performers, technicians, support staff and musicians of all genres in the commercial live performance sector by promoters, producers and venues. By the closing date of 14 April 2021, 400 applications were received seeking grants of €80 million. Given the available funding of €25 million, it will not be possible to award grants to everyone who applied. As a result, the LPSS 2021 is a competitive scheme.

I recognise the enormous work and effort that went into all applications by the hundreds of producers, promoters and venues that have applied and my Department will ensure that all proposals received from all applicants, including the company referred to by the Deputy, will be examined and assessed with due care and consideration and .

It is Departmental policy to ensure that every application is treated fairly and impartially and is given an equal chance of success. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application at the same time.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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108. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of a proposal for a three-year pilot scheme of a universal basic income for artists, writers and musicians proposed by the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24864/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce report titled Life Worth Living, was published in November 2020 and made ten recommendations for the sector. The recommendations included a proposal to pilot a basic income scheme for a three-year period in the arts, culture, audiovisual and live performance and events sectors. The Taskforce was of the view that a pilot basic income would keep the sector intact, minimising the loss of skills and contributing to its gradual regrowth, with ongoing benefits: social and economic, local and national.

I believe the arts sector represents an appropriate area for a pilot basic income scheme for many reasons. It is characterised by low, precarious and often seasonal income. Artistic and creative work is intrinsically valuable to society; it includes a broad mix of employment types. This is an exciting proposal and has been the subject of positive commentary both nationally and internationally. We can now work to see how it can be enhanced.

I have established an Oversight Group with the remit of addressing the outstanding recommendations of Life Worth Living. The membership of the Group is drawn from departments and agencies which have the ability and wherewithal to make appropriate progress on the outstanding recommendations, and to whom recommendations of the Taskforce are addressed.

The Oversight Group is being chaired by my Department joined by representatives of the Departments of Finance, Social Protection, Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Public Expenditure and Reform as well as Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Directors of the Arts Council and Screen Ireland are also members and they will be joined by a representative of the County and City Managers Association.

I have asked the Oversight Group to prioritise the examination of Recommendation 1, a basic income for artists. I have engaged with relevant Ministerial colleagues on this matter and they have indicated their support for developing proposals. This would be independent of the work of the Low Pay Commission which has been tasked by my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to examine the Programme for Government commitment to pilot a Universal Basic Income within the lifetime of this Government commitment. I intend therefore to proceed with the development of proposals for a basic income for artists as a matter of priority.

Separately, the Programme for Government contained a commitment to request the Low Pay Commission to examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots, and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has requested the Low Pay Commission to examine the commitment in the Programme for Government and the Commission has agreed that this request will form part of its workplan for 2021. The terms of reference for the study on Universal Basic Income are currently being finalised by the Commission and research is due to begin shortly.