Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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481. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps being taken to support the recovery and growth of the live arts and events sector, which continues to face challenges related to rising operational costs and venue closures; if his Department will consider the expansion of grant or tax-relief supports for regional theatres and music venues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64647/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Tax reliefs are a matter for the Minister for Finance. My priority as Minister is to ensure that the arts and culture sectors are resilient, sustainable, forward reaching and accessible. To do this, we need to build capacity in all areas under my remit. I recently announced €384.1m in the 2026 budget for arts and culture, which provides a wide range of supports to artists and arts organisations that directly contribute to the live entertainment sector. The final detailed allocation will be in the revised estimates which is due to be published shortly.

My Department provides capital support for arts and culture infrastructure throughout the country while annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided by local authorities and the Arts Council. I have asked the Arts Council to contact the Deputy directly with a detailed response in regard to the support they provide. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from the Council within ten working days.

In addition and in support of a commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department continues to aid the development of a more vibrant and culturally diverse Night-Time Economy which many live entertainment businesses participate.

This year I launched the Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme, to support small established music venues that promote themselves and are known in the community for programming grassroots music artists. These venues play a vital role in Ireland’s cultural and creative ecosystem. The Scheme operated with a total fund of €500,000 and 34 grants of up to €15,000 were awarded to small independent venues to host events showcasing the talent of emerging, grassroots artists performing live music they have written or created themselves. Due to the success of this scheme and the importance of sustaining these venues, I recently announced an allocation of €1m towards a 2nd iteration of this scheme for 2026 to help further protect these venues against the backdrop of rising costs.

The work under the Night-Time Economy programme has made some impact on bringing the benefits of a vibrant Night-Time Economy into public discourse as well as affecting policy development across Government. We will continue to work across Government and with the live events and arts sector to address the challenges faced, to develop and sustain the sector.