Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I am fully aware of the severe difficulties being faced by live performers and all artists as a result of the pandemic and my Department and I have engaged extensively with stakeholders to understand these challenges and put in place supports for the sector.

In December I was pleased to announce details of a €50 million suite of measures to support the live performance sector in 2022. As part of this suite of supports and, building on the success and exceptional demand for the Live Performance Support Scheme 2021 (LPSS 2021), a further strand of this scheme called the LPSS 3 opened for applications on December 20th.  

This scheme is to support events which were due to be staged in December 2021 and January 2022 and have been curtailed, cancelled or rescheduled due to the restrictions on audience capacity at live performances at 50% and a closing time of 8pm. The grants offered will cover up to 100% of eligible production costs incurred in December 2021 and January 2022, net of any box office or other revenue, up to a maximum grant of €500,000. Further information on LPSS 3 can be accessed on my department’s website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/e3843-live-performance-support-scheme-phase-3-guidelines/.  An online application system has been provided for ease of access.

In addition to LPSS 3, further supports will also be provided for the sector in 2022, including;

- Another strand of the Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 4), to support performances being staged from February 2022 to June 2022. Further information, including guidelines for this scheme will be made available in the coming weeks.

- Another round of the MEBAS (Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme) scheme due to be announced shortly;

- €5m for Local Authorities to support local artists and performances through the LLPSS (Local Live Performance Support Scheme).

- €5m to continue the capital supports scheme (CECGS) to venues, including for ventilation upgrades and other COVID adaptations

- €1m for the Saint Patrick's Festival 2022

In relation to the project referred to by the Deputy I would advise that they contact their local arts officer to determine if funding can be provided under the LLPSS (Local Live Performance Support Scheme) for which I have provided €5m in funding for 2022 to the local authorities.

I am committed to supporting the live performance and nightclub sector as they journey through a difficult and unprecedented phase of business operations.  I will continue to review the supports for the sector on an ongoing basis.