PRE BUDGET SUBMISSION
PRE BUDGET SUBMISSION
The events sector was fully closed by pandemic restrictions from March 12th 2020 through September 6th 2021, a total of 543 days, and subsequently has been allowed to reopen to 60% capacity, a threshold which is below financial break‐even for the majority of promoters.
The sector stands alone in the Irish economy, in length of time it has been fully closed, the impact this has had on its businesses and workers, and the glaringly disproportionate supports received.
The commercial events sector has been financially independent for many years before the pandemic, and will be so again, but the sector has been devastated by this prolonged closure.
The lack of adequate and timely support for this sector has created untold damage, this will require extended supports to allow Businesses and workers to recover as the economy reopens, and events gradually resume.
It is estimated that it will take approximately 24 months after the sector is permitted to reopen fully, from the Government of Ireland proposed date of 22nd October 2021 for recovery to happen.
In 2021 the Arts Council of Ireland received funding of €130 million for the funded Arts Sector, the (non‐funded) Commercial Events Sector would benefit from similar funding being made available to help stimulate regrowth in the industry as the economy recovers.
The Commercial Events Sector supports over 35,000 jobs, contributes over €3.5 billion to the Irish economy and delivers in excess of 3 million annual bed nights to the Irish tourism sector.
Ours is a vibrant and viable industry that is a world leader in its field, an industry of creators and innovators, an industry of business people, and a highly skilled indigenous workforce.
Ireland has missed concerts, theatres, dances, choirs, orchestras, festivals, food festivals – the country craves for our commemorations, our parades, our favourite artists and entertainers. However, right now, what those working in the Commercial Events Sector miss most, is the opportunity to return to work, earn a living, to look after their family, to pay their bills and to survive. For many, this has simply not been possible for 19 months due to the impact and devastation caused by this Pandemic.
EPIC calls upon the Government to provide:
An extension of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme until the sector fully recovers. The sector is unique in that it was entirely closed under government mandate with no opportunity to trade
An equal value replacement for the PUP specific to Event sector workers, who will have limited work available until the outdoor season begins in May 2022, as the 2021 season has been lost due to restrictions.
Implementation of a “scaffolding support fund” of €130 million equivalent to the level allocated to the state funded sector, to stimulate regrowth in the sector, and seed organic growth as the economy recovery.
An extension of business rates waiver for a period of thirty‐six months from the date of full capacity return to allow SMEs, venues and other businesses within the sector to recover, and to assist with COVID‐19 infrastructural compliance.
Zero VAT rate on Live Entertainment and Event ticket sales to stimulate consumer activity and help to regrow the sector, thereby applying a fair and level playing field with other entertainment events, such as sporting, who benefit from Zero VAT on their ticket sales.
A credit against 2021/22 VAT returns of 50% of VAT returns filed in 2019, to improve cashflow and inspire confidence in the sectors SMEs and sole traders as they return to work.
Insurance cancellation protection support for events and the establishment of a support scheme, similar to that in the UK and other European countries. For example, six weeks costs for an event or theatre production which could face immediate closure on opening night due to a further wave of COVID‐19 outbreak.
A Corporation Tax credit of 50% of 2019 liability, applied for the next three years 2021, 2022 and 2023 returns. This will ease the tax burden on businesses encumbered by paused loans and liabilities built up while unable to trade.
Establishment of a cross‐departmental taskforce for the commercial Live Entertainment and Events Sector, to be a longstanding body, with representatives from the wider live events sector.
Establishment of a capacity building and upskilling scheme for event workers aimed at recovery and renewal through professional development as recommended, and outlined, in Recommendation 7, ‘A life worth living’ – Arts & Culture Recovery Taskforce, 2020.
Establishment of a Creative Green Programme as recommended, and outlined, in Recommendation 8, ‘A life worth living’ – Arts & Culture Recovery Taskforce, 2020.
Government to commit to continue its provision of financial support to local authorities to offset any loss of income they experience in 2022 so as to enable them to maintain their investment in arts, culture and events at 2021 levels ‐ Recommendation 5, ‘A life worth living’ – Arts & Culture Recovery Taskforce, 2020.
Development of a National Strategic Recovery Plan 2022‐2026 that spans Culture, Arts, Events, Tourism, and Hospitality. Building on the success of the Arts & Culture Recovery Taskforce, the development of this recovery plan should be supported by a dedicated National Recovery Taskforce which should include representatives from all relevant sectors ‐ both public and private.
Extension of the credit guarantee scheme to ensure SMEs can borrow 100% loan requirements due to extreme difficulty with securing the remaining 20% from Irish banks.