Mr. Victor Finn:

I am the chief executive officer of the Irish Music Rights Organisation. I am accompanied by my colleagues, Mr. Brendan Griffin, the director of licensing, and Mr. Keith Johnson, the director of marketing and membership. I thank members for the opportunity to address the committee on the topic of our recently published report, The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy.

We commissioned Deloitte to undertake this study. Consultations were conducted with IMRO members and with key industry representatives, including artists, labels, publishers, songwriters, management companies and retail and broadcast personnel. The findings demonstrate real opportunities for the sector, which currently supports over 11,000 jobs and contributes almost €500 million annually to the Irish economy.

The report highlights a number of areas where action could be taken, including finance, market access, intellectual property, education, training and collaboration. It outlines a number of recommendations, including: establishing a music industry task force with representatives from Government, the business community and industry to reinvigorate the sector and encourage collaboration; appointing what we have termed an "IP tsar" to consider the impact of intellectual property and copyright legislation and enforcement in both music and technology industries; the development of advanced training courses for music professionals to focus on the business of music education, particularly for early career musicians; greater collaboration among the music, tourism, gaming and technology sectors; greater support for musicians, many of whom are self-employed, in accessing finance and ensuring any fiscal supports are effective and appropriately structured; and the establishment of a music office, Music Ireland, to act as a focal point for the music industry, similar to the Irish Film Board, which would provide assistance to individuals in the music sector and those looking to enter new overseas markets.

These policy interventions have the potential to increase activity and jobs in the sector. The music industry is fully committed to taking the lead on these initiatives but Government support remains crucial in terms of the speed at which progress can be made. There is a will within the music industry to push forward but collaboration is the key if we are to maximise the positive effects on Ireland's reputation for culture and creativity. We are happy to address any specific issues the Chairman or members of the committee may have.