Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

The support available for my Department and the agencies under its aegis for music is very significant. We will provide more than €2.6 million in grant aid to the National Concert Hall in 2012. It, in turn, is the home of the National Symphony Orchestra and our premier music venue. My Department also provides in excess of €1.6 million in 2012 to Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann.

Tax relief to support the music industry, and particularly for new and emerging artists, has traditionally been provided through the business expansion scheme. Investors could avail of tax relief in respect of music recordings under the business expansion scheme for music, which was specifically designed to stimulate investment in the production, publication, marketing and promotion of new and emerging musical talent.

My Department also funds targeted initiatives for music which are channelled through Music Network. These include national music day and a national music instrument scheme.Love Live Music, the national music day, is an annual celebration of all forms of music in Ireland. It aims to promote access to live music for all, regardless of location or circumstance, throughfree nationwide music events Music day in 2012 is 21 June to coincide with international music day.

The musical instrument scheme, operated by Music Network, assists individuals and groups to purchase instruments. Up to €200,000 is available under the scheme this year. My Department is also providing €100,000 to the cross-Border youth orchestra in 2012.

Expenditure supports to specific music organisations and for the music sector generally fall mainly within the remit of the Arts Council which, as the Deputy will be aware, is statutorily independent in the disbursement of its funds. For example, the Arts Council supports major performing groups, such as the Irish Chamber Orchestra and Irish Baroque Orchestra which provide year-round work opportunities for the current generation of highly trained musicians; music promoters and festivals throughout the country, such as Sligo Live and West Cork Chamber Music; specialist resource organisations for music, such as Music Network and First Music Contact; and opera provision through Wexford Festival Opera, Opera Theatre Company and so forth.

In regard to the matter of intellectual property rights, including copyright and royalties relating to the commercial aspect of the music industry, these are matters that fall within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

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