Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 44: To ask the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the efforts he is making to protect and enhance the music industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5506/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Minister for his reply. As he is aware, the music industry here plays an essential part in the Irish way of life socially, culturally and economically. It is very important that it is not only recognised but supported, invested in and enhanced. There are some very good examples internationally of how this might be done but one of particular note is the FACTOR scheme in Canada. FACTOR, which stands for the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing assistance towards the growth and development of the Canadian independent recording industry. Support is provided to Canadian recording artists, songwriters, managers, labels and distributors through various programmes which all aid in the development of the industry. The scheme supports many facets of the infrastructure which must be in place in order for the artists and Canadian labels to progress into the international arena.

Would the Minister agree a similar scheme would be welcome in Ireland? I have proposed that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht undertake a specific job of work to look at ways in which we, as legislators, might help establish an environment in which Irish music could grow and flourish. Would the Minister be supportive of such an approach? Does he believe there is scope to look at, for example, the criteria by which Irish music is defined as "Irish music" for the purposes of radio play? This is something which has been done in France to good effect. Will the Minister commit to look at international examples for best practice in regard to the promotion and protection of indigenous music?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware of the FACTOR initiative in Canada which has been very successful. It started out very small with approximately $200,000. Now approximately €14 million is provided. It helps songwriters and musicians and puts money into education which is very important. We should look seriously at that programme. I have already asked my officials to consider it to see if it can be replicated here in any way. It has certainly been successful in Canada. Coincidentally, there are a number of Irish artists who perform in America who are being funded by the Canadian Government. They perform at Irish festivals, such as in Milwaukee. There are Irish artists performing in such venues who may not get the same support from here, but who are finding it difficult to compete with them. That in itself is an example of how effective it has been.

Irish music is thriving at the moment. For example, last year, about half a million Americans saw Irish traditional music performances across America through Culture Ireland's support. I was in New York recently at a major event to promote Irish artists. Some of our top musicians were there, such as Martin Hayes and Frankie Gavin, who were attracting huge attention. Their showcases were full to capacity, whereas showcases from other countries might have attracted only two or three people. Irish music, therefore, is going through a very good spell internationally at the moment. I agree with Deputy McLellan that we should avail of this opportunity and promote it as much as we can in whatever form.

I take the Deputy's point about the French policy on airplay. There is a great man there, Danny McCarthy, who is promoting this and he has obviously been in contact with Deputy McLellan. I think that if we had a similar quota here it would help. In France, broadcasters are compelled to play local and national music as much as possible, through a special quota. We should seriously examine that here, but I suppose it is the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte. It should certainly be considered seriously in conjunction with our national broadcaster.