Mr. Keith Johnson:

Education and skills development and continuous development are important across any industry, particularly in the music industry. The report has highlighted that there is definite skills gap, particularly in the area of professional development for music professionals. We note there is a requirement to bolster this area in order to give a gear change to the industry as we move forward.

In terms of the schools and third level, it is important to build on what is currently happening in schools and to have a better co-ordinated approach to music education. It is not that this is not happening within the schools sector, it is just that very often there is not a co-ordinated approach and, in many cases, music is not seen as a viable career. We want to foster a notion that there is a long-term career path and an expectation that one can develop a career in music. Putting in place mentorship programmes for students would be an important aspect of any programmes that would emerge from any initiatives with which a music office might assist.

We would also like there to be a greater contribution towards initiatives that encourage creativity through teaching at primary and post-primary levels. The intention is to generate the idea that music is a viable career path and should not be seen simply as being a hobby. Culturally, in Ireland, music is seen very much as something one does as hobby rather than something one pursues as a career path.