Current Advice
Please see below for our current advice regarding coronavirus. This is an ever changing situation so click here to access the updated HSE advice
Financial advice
Understand your rights to the different kinds of financial support available during the Coronavirus outbreak and how to claim click here for more information. This includes support for the self-employed. The dedicated social protection #COVID19 phoneline is open from 9am-5pm, 01-2481398/ 1890-800-024 and people are asked to not visit your Intreo Centre if at all possible. To download the form click here or to get a form posted to you, please email forms@welfare.ie or call the phoneline.
Industry specific guides
The Arts Council has confirmed that it has notified theatres that it will honour all funding commitments made to them and that there will be no financial penalties for theatres that are unable to deliver key activities and events arising from the impact of the COVID-19 virus. That will mean that theatres should, in turn, be able to honour commitments to artists. Equity is calling on these organisations to demonstrate their true creativity and reach out in new and inventive ways to the artist community to provided as much financial and community support as possible to artists. More info here
This will be more difficult for non-funded or non-commercial production so it important that members fully understand the state support available read more.
Recorded Media (Film, TV audio etc)
All production are now ceased or on notice or cessation. For information on specific productions contact Andrea at equity@siptu.ie or Karan at koloughlin@siptu.ie
Industry Support measures
Screen Ireland has announced an initial range of measures, all of which we hope will assist those working within the sector.
These measures are as follows:
- They will provide 90% funding upfront on all development loans to Irish screenwriters and production companies through to 31st May 2020.
- Existing development and production loan offers which are due to expire in the coming months will all be extended to 31st May 2020.
- They will provide additional marketing and distribution support for upcoming Irish film and TV releases during this period.
- They will continue to provide skills development opportunities for industry practitioners, with Screen Skills Ireland delivering some of its planned activity for 2020 online free-of-charge over the next 6-10 weeks.
From an operations perspective, Screen Ireland and Screen Skills Ireland staff continue to work remotely and all funding schemes will continue to be made available. They are supporting filmmakers and current productions on a case-by-case basis due to the numerous complexities and variables involved. The funding application process across all areas from development, production, distribution and publicity will continue as normally as possible.
During these exceptionally challenging circumstances, Screen Ireland will continue to work with their partners to monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and will review and update these measures in response to further developments. Screen Ireland can be contacted directly with any COVID-19 related queries or concerns at info@screenireland.ie.
Be safe and minimise Risk
In addition there are some simple things you can do to minimise risk.
Preventative measures
There are six simple things members can do to protect themselves and others:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol sanitiser if handwashing facilities are not available.
2. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in a bin. Catch it, Bin it, Kill it. Failing that, sneeze into your elbow and avoid coughing on or near others.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Avoid travelling if you have a temperature or cough. If you feel unwell, seek medical advice.
5. If you are worried about your symptoms, please call NHS 111. Do not go directly to your GP.
6. If you begin to feel unwell, with your engager’s permission if at work, make your way safely home and contact a health professional for advice.
Work advice
Where you are concerned about an engagement being cancelled or a contract being terminated due to coronavirus issues, please contact Irish Equity for specific advice about your situation. Andrea – equity@siptu.ie Karan – koloughlin@siptu.ie or through our website irishequity.ie (can you make this a link to the website?)
Contract issues
A matter that may arise in relation to cancelled engagements or contracts is the concept of ‘force majeure’. This will usually be a clause in the contract that outlines circumstances under which the contract may be said to have been cancelled because of events or circumstances outside the engagers control. Another concept is ‘frustration of contract’ where the contract may be said to have been discontinued because of unforeseen circumstances. The issues around these, and other contract matters, are never simple and often subject to interpretation, so your Irish Equity can be the first port of call for any query.
