Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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105. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the breakdown of the number of applications and the number of awarded grants under the music and entertainment business assistance scheme by county, in tabular form. [33622/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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As part of a €50 million suite of supports for the live entertainment sector, the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) opened for applications on 9 June. This scheme aims to support businesses operating solely in the live entertainment sector that do not qualify for other business supports and have been significantly impacted by Covid restrictions. 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.

Businesses whether sole traders, partnerships or incorporated entities operating exclusively within the live entertainment sector may apply. Businesses of musicians and singers of all genres are eligible to apply, as are sound engineers, lighting engineers, audio engineers, stage managers, stage technicians, sound and lighting equipment suppliers, live-streaming equipment suppliers and full-time Disc Jockeys.

To date, 388 applications have been submitted for this scheme and 73 applications have been approved. All details in relation to this scheme, including guidelines and the MEBAS application portal can be accessed on my Department’s website.

This scheme will remain open for applications until July 7th. Final allocations will not be available until after applications close.