Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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18. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in advance of the upcoming budget, the measures she has taken to undertake specific measures to further the promotion of the arts, with regard to the creation of jobs in creative industries and the support of emerging artists, along with the other recommendations in the Irish Music Rights Organisation's report The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32197/15]

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 for the arts and film through its funding of the Arts Council and the Film Board while my Department provides capital supports for the development of arts and cultural infrastructure. Other financial and policy supports are also provided, for example, through the taxation system. I was particularly pleased that the Government introduced a 25% increase in the income ceiling for the artists' tax exemption for 2015. This important measure recognises the invaluable contribution which artists, including songwriters and composers, make to society and to the music industry. The IMRO report referred to in the Deputy's question, entitled The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy,highlights the impressive contribution the music industry makes to the Irish economy. The report contains a broad range of recommendations for which several Ministers have responsibility. My Department is examining those of relevance to my areas of responsibility.

I am aware of the potential of the creative sector to contribute to sustainable jobs growth and my Department continues to work with other Departments in regard to the audio-visual and music sectors as part of the Government’s overall objectives under the Action Plan for Jobs.

I would also like to add that my Department - through Culture Ireland – plays a major part in promoting Irish arts and music on the world stage. In this regard, the Ireland 2016Centenary Programme will present a significant opportunity next year for the sector next year.

Finally, issues in relation to the arts, film and music are will be of particular relevance in the development of Ireland's first national cultural policy, Culture 2025.My Department has commenced the engagement in a nationwide consultation process on the development of the policy and I look forward to working further with the music industry as part of that process.