Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the supports and grants that exist for musicians; the way these schemes can be accessed by interested parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2678/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Support for all music genres continues to fall within the remit of the Arts Council - the main channel through which State aid is provided to the arts. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Council is statutorily independent in the disbursement of its funds.

Insofar as my own Department is concerned, specific support to the music industry - and particularly to new and emerging artists - had been provided through the Business Expansion Scheme (BES), as extended to the music industry with effect from 6 April 1996 and for which my Department was the certifying authority. The BES for Music, under which investors could avail of tax relief in respect of music recordings, subject to certification by my Department, was specifically targeted to stimulate investment in the production, publication, marketing and promotion of new and emerging musical talent.

With effect from 1 January 2012, the BES has been replaced by the Employment and Investment Incentive (EII). Under the EII, the majority of trades qualify for relief, including that previously relating to musical recordings.

Under the EII, which is scheduled to operate until the end of 2013, applicants may now apply directly to the Revenue Commissioners, thus easing the demands on applicants and simplifying the procedures involved. Accordingly, any queries in relation to the EII should be directed to the Revenue Commissioners.