Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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1185. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the orchestral review; if cross-departmental responsibility will be taken for developing a national strategy for orchestras here involving his Department and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht along with RTÉ and the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16034/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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RTE has a statutory requirement under Section 114(1) of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 to ‘establish and maintain orchestras, choirs and other cultural performing groups’.  RTÉ has acknowledged that that the orchestras are integral to RTÉ’s arts and cultural programming, and form a key part of RTÉ’s arts and culture strategy. The review of orchestral services currently underway has been commissioned by RTE with the aim of making recommendations regarding the best configuration of the orchestras and staff for RTÉ to deliver upon its objectives.

I understand that the review is nearing completion and that a final report will be delivered to RTÉ shortly. It is intended that the final report will be shared with both my Department and the Department for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

In addition, officials from both Departments have met to discuss this matter and will meet again when the review is complete to discuss next steps.