Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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546. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has considered altering the music and entertainment business assistance scheme to cover an average turnover of the previous three years of artists as opposed to just one year given the tumultuous nature of the events industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32005/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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As part of a €50 million suite of support measures for the Live Entertainment Sector, an allocation of €14 million has been made available under the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) to make a contribution to the overheads of businesses, specifically musicians and related crew, that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19 and that do not qualify for other business supports. This scheme has been developed following wide consultation with the sector.

This scheme will see support offered by way of three levels of once-off flat payments;

- €2,500 for businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover of €20,000 - €50,000 with minimum business costs of €3,000 incurred from 1 April 2020 to 31 May 2021;

- €4,000 for businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover of €50,001- €100,000 with minimum business costs of €6,000 from 1 April 2020 to 31 May 2021;

- €5,000 for businesses with VAT-exclusive turnover in excess of €100,000 with minimum business costs of €7,500 from 1 April 2020 to 31 May 2021

Under the scheme, businesses including musicians, singers, lighting and sound crew and audio equipment suppliers - whether sole traders, partnerships or incorporated entities - operating exclusively within the commercial live entertainment sector will be eligible to apply. Further details in relation to this scheme, including guidelines and the application portal can be found on my department’s website at www.gov.ie/en/service/3cc71-music-and-entertainment-business-assistance-scheme/.

This scheme is open for applications, which are being received, administered and awards are being made. During this period, the operation of the scheme will be monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis.