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

In general, the law on copyright is a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. My Department is aware of the importance of protecting the rights of artists, including the issues of protection of intellectual property in the digital age. EU policy in this regard is also significant.

The issues of supporting artists, including with regard to copyright, has been an area of significant discussion during the public consultation phases of developing the proposed new national cultural policy, Culture 2025.I expect that these complex issues will be reflected in the final policy document.

My primary role is to support artists and the creative industries in Ireland using the mechanisms available to me and working across Government on common initiatives such as the Action Plan for Jobs. The Arts Council is the main mechanism through which the Government directs funding to the arts and to artists. In this regard, the Arts Council recently published its new strategy statement, Making Great Art Work. This sets out the Arts Council plans to lead the development of the arts in the decade to 2025 and prioritises two policy areas, the artist and public engagement.

The work of the Irish Film Board, which my Department funds, is also a significant support for creative workers in Ireland. This sector is also supported by the improved tax incentive system introduced by this Government. This year, as part of budget 2016, I was pleased to announce a 12% increase in allocations across a range of areas, including the Ireland 2016 centenary programme and a new investment programme for regional arts and cultural centres. There will be significant benefits accruing for artists and creative workers from many of the Ireland 2016 programmes supported by this additional funding, including at international level.

I was also particularly pleased that the Government introduced a 25% increase in the ceiling for the artists exemption from 2015. This important measure recognises the invaluable contribution which artists make to Irish society. The feedback available to me indicates that artists very much welcome the increase in the exemption limits. The scheme ensures Ireland continues to be a place where the work of artists is valued.

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