Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Aodán Ó Dubhghaill, who is the head of the RTÉ orchestras, has stated that they "have a singular place in Irish musical heritage and have nurtured, through performance and education, generations of world-class musicians." The report confirms this view while also recognising RTÉ's overall funding position as it plans for the future. These recommendations offer a solution which protects and supports both orchestras while also recognising the balance between RTÉ's financial constraints and its public service role in promoting music, arts and culture. RTÉ is going to give the recommendations full consideration.

As the Deputy is aware, RTÉ is funded by the licence fee in addition to commercial income. Licence fee payers are members of the public, as are taxpayers, and therefore it is the public that pays for orchestral provision and our public service broadcasting. It is now proposed that the Government would fund part of the cost of the National Symphony Orchestra totalling €4 million, with RTÉ continuing to fund the balance.

It is also recommended that the National Symphony Orchestra become a stand-alone entity or become part of the National Concert Hall. I am already on record as supporting these recommendations, which will ensure that orchestral music is allowed to grow and flourish once again in Ireland.

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