Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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37. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures she will take in to implement the recommendations of the recent report, The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy and, in particular, the promotion of arts within the context of employment creation and creative industries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10190/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Government appreciates the importance of the cultural and creative industries to Ireland, including the music industry. My Department provides significant support to the industry through its funding of the Arts Council; through capital supports for the development of arts and cultural infrastructure; and through other financial and policy supports.

I was particularly pleased that the Government introduced a 25% increase in income ceiling for the artists' tax exemption for 2015. This important measure recognises the invaluable contribution which artists, including songwriters and composers, make to Irish society and to the music industry.

Last year, in response to a proposal from the Irish Association of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, a capital grant of €50,000 from my Department's capital budget was awarded for the purpose of introducing a digital music system to be available to all Irish musicians and to Irish broadcasters. This system will assist in directing royalties to Irish musicians.

I welcome the recent publication of the IMRO report referred to in the Deputy's Question - The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy. The report highlights the impressive contribution being made to the Irish economy by the music industry and contains a broad range of recommendations for which several Ministers have responsibility.

My Department will be examining those elements of the report which are of relevance to my own areas of responsibility. In this regard, the report will also be of relevance in the development of Ireland's first national cultural policy - Culture 2025– and I look forward to working further with the music industry as part of that process. I intend to publish a Culture 2025 discussion paper shortly, which will be an important step in opening up the debate around how we should shape the future of the arts in Ireland, including in relation to music.