Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 310: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of musicians employed here; the amount that musicians and the music industry contribute to the economy here and to the Exchequer; if she will bring forward proposals for legislation to protect musicians from unscrupulous employers; if she will introduce measures to promote music as a career here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28294/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that in the Q1 2008 Quarterly National Household Survey, undertaken by the CSO, some 2,100 persons declared themselves to be musicians by occupation.

With regard to the economic value of the music industry in Ireland I note that Goodbody Economic Consultants prepared an "Analysis of the Economic Significance of the Irish Music Industry" on behalf of the interim Music Board of Ireland in 2003 and that the report estimated the value-added of the industry to be just under one half of one per cent of GDP at that time. My Department does not have any data on the Exchequer contribution that might be made by this sector.

I understand that specific support to the music industry and particularly to new and emerging artists is provided through the Business Expansion Scheme (BES), as extended to the Music Industry, with effect from 6 April 1996, for which my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, is the certifying authority. The extension of the Business Expansion Scheme to the Music Industry represented recognition by the Government of the increasing value of our cultural and heritage sectors in terms of employment creation, value added and generation of wealth. The BES for Music was specifically targeted to stimulate investment in the production, publication, marketing and promotion of new and emerging talent, and is now extended to 2013.

I am advised by the Department of Education and Science that Arts education (visual arts, music and drama) is one of the seven curriculum areas that comprise the primary curriculum, which was revised in 1999. Music is a core part of the arts curriculum in all primary schools, and comprises listening and responding, performing and composing activities.

At second level there are approved syllabi for both Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Music. Modules in the Arts are also available as part of the Leaving Certificate Applied and in the Transition Year programme. The curricula continues the themes of performing, composing and listening skills, the development of music literacy and aural perception, and the regular practice of vocal and/or instrumental music.

The Department of Education and Science also provides for substantial levels of investment in Music Education at Further and Higher level. Overall, very significant resources are invested on provision of music education.

With regard to employment rights, I can advise the Deputy that normal employee protection legislation already applies (and redress procedures are available) to musicians who have entered into a contract of employment with their employer. In this context, there are comprehensive redress mechanisms in place, including the Rights Commissioner Service, the Labour Court and the Employment Appeals Tribunal, to enable employees, including musicians to pursue cases where they believe they have been denied their entitlements.

My Department is not aware of any specific complaints of musicians having been exploited by "unscrupulous employers" but if the Deputy can supply more specific information the matters at issue can be referred to the National Employment Rights Authority for investigation.