Hot Press (10/01/21)
The Ireland-based Event Industry Alliance (EIA) has launched a Pre-Budget Submission on behalf of over 35,000 workers across the non-funded live entertainment and events industry, calling for vital supports next year in addition to cross-departmental engagement. The EIA stated that the Irish government should provide "immediate and concrete supports, to both help protect and scaffold, this viable industry until it can return to full pre-COVID trading in all its glory. It is estimated by experts that this will take approximately 24 months, after the sector is permitted to reopen at 100% capacity, from the government of Ireland proposed schedule date of 22 October 2021." The group continued that the live entertainment and events sector receives zero taxpayers’ money and faces restrictions from receiving Arts Council of Ireland funding as well. The EIA's government recommendations include extending the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme and vital workers supports until the industry fully recovers. Also urged is deployment of a "scaffolding support fund" of €130 million equivalent to the level apportioned to the state-funded sector, to help the industry survive. Moreover, the alliance is calling for the removal of value-added tax on live entertainment and event ticket sales to help with the long-term rebound.
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