Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government appreciates the importance of the cultural and creative industries to Ireland, including the music industry. My Department provides significant support to the industry through its funding of the Arts Council, capital supports for the development of arts and cultural infrastructure, and through other financial and policy supports. I was particularly pleased that the Government introduced a 25% increase in the income ceiling for the artists' tax exemption for 2015. This important measure recognises the invaluable contribution which artists, including songwriters and composers, make to society and to the music industry.

Last year, in response to a proposal from the Irish Association of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, IASCA, a capital grant of €50,000 from my Department's capital budget was awarded for the purpose of introducing a digital music system to be available to all Irish musicians and to Irish broadcasters. This system will assist in directing royalties to Irish musicians. The recent IMRO report referred to in the Deputy's question, entitled The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy, highlights the impressive contribution the music industry makes to the Irish economy. The report contains a broad range of recommendations for which several Ministers have responsibility. My Department will be examining those of relevance to my areas of responsibility. In this regard, the report will also be of relevance in the development of Ireland's first national cultural policy, which will be entitled culture 2025, and I look forward to working further with the music industry as part of that process. I intend to publish a culture 2025 discussion paper shortly, which will be an important step in opening up the debate around how we should shape the future of the arts in Ireland, including music.

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