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, through capital supports for the development of arts and cultural infrastructure and through other financial and policy supports. I was particularly pleased 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, a 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.

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. It will include the music industry.

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