A number of support schemes have opened for applications, to support businesses in the live performance sector that have events planned for December and January.
The supports are in response to the introduction of new restrictions on live performance capacities, including the new closing time of 8pm in effect from today.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin today met with stakeholders from across the Live Performance sector, along with the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, to discuss the impact of these new restrictions.
The €20m Live Performance Support Scheme 3 (LPSS3) is now open for applications and is designed to support live performances planned for December and January which may need to be cancelled, curtailed or rescheduled due to the new restrictions.
The Government said up to 100% of eligible production costs will be funded.
Applications are also open for the €5m for the seasonal musical theatre and pantomime scheme (LPSS2).
Under this scheme up to 100% of eligible production costs will now be funded.
These schemes form part of the €50m support package for the Live Performance sector announced by the Minister on 8 December.
"I know that the introduction of a closing time of 8pm is another devastating blow to the entire live entertainment sector," said Minister Martin.
"I am committed to ensuring the necessary supports are in place to support the sector and those who work in it.
"As a result I am announcing that the LPSS2 and LPSS3 schemes will provide up to 100% of costs incurred for events planned for December and January," she said.
Minister Martin also announced that another round of the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) will open for applications in January.
This scheme has already provided grant support to businesses to cover costs up to the end of December.
