Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

248. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there was an open competition to select the company or organisation that would manage the music industry support package schemes on behalf of her Department; if so, the way in which this process was advertised; the reason the decision was made to appoint only one organisation to manage all schemes under the music industry support package; if other companies and organisations were considered to manage any or all of the schemes before the decision was made to award management of all schemes to a company (details supplied); and the criteria used to determine what company or organisation should manage the schemes. [43490/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As part of the July Stimulus Package to support the arts, I wanted to ensure that dedicated music industry support schemes were introduced. The introduction of the Music Industry Support Package was the first time this type of support was offered and it was designed to meet the needs of the music sector in these unprecedented times. The schemes were operated on a pilot basis this year.

As there was a short time period in which to invite applications, ensure detailed assessment and have awards paid and activity supported this year the decision was taken to have the process managed on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media by First Music Contact. The process and panellists involved were all published in advance and panellists were required to declare any conflict of interest in any applications and were excluded from that applicant’s adjudication if necessary. All eligible applications were considered by a team of expert panellists.

First Music Contact (FMC) is a resource body, funded by the Arts Council and by Culture Ireland of my Department for international showcasing of Irish musicians. FMC was selected given their in-depth experience of the music industry. There is no financial benefit to FMC for the management of the €1.7 million Music Industry Support Package. A maximum amount of €83,000 is payable to FMC for receipted administration costs.

This year the support schemes were operated on a pilot basis and all elements will be reviewed by the Department to inform planning on support for the music sector in future years.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

249. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of applicants that submitted applications for funding under the music industry support package schemes; the number that were successful and unsuccessful, respectively; the criteria by which their success or lack of success was determined; and if unsuccessful applicants have been informed as to the reason they were not successful. [43491/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The table below illustrates the number of applications received for each scheme and the number of successful applicants.

All applications were assessed against published criteria:

a. artistic merit which focuses on the applicant’s previous practice as well as on the viability of the Songwriting Camp/Proposed Recording/Release-ready album

b. how well they meet the objectives of the relevant Stimulus Fund Scheme

c. feasibility of the proposal, which considers the extent to which the applicant demonstrates capacity to deliver the proposed activity

d. track record which the applicant demonstrates through the CV(s) and other supporting material submitted

All unsuccessful applicants were informed of the outcome of their applications and I understand that requests to FMC for feedback are being replied to on an individual basis.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

250. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way the members of the expert panel were selected to assess applications for the music industry support package schemes; the person or body that selected them; and the criteria by which they were they selected. [43492/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Music Industry Stimulus Scheme was managed on behalf of my Department by First Music Contact. A short-list of prospective panel members was drawn up by FMC after consultations and was reviewed and approved by FMC board members and my Department.

The panel was made up of music industry professionals who were selected to ensure there was a knowledge of all the genres of music as the schemes aim to embrace musicians of all genres. Any individual who was considered to have a potential conflict of interest was eliminated from consideration.

The panel was chaired by the chair of FMC, Dr Aoibheann Gibbons, who was a non-voting member. All members’ names and biographies were made available on the FMC website for the weeks leading up to the closing date and can still be viewed on .

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

251. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to artists not currently resident in Ireland being awarded funding under the music industry support package schemes. [43493/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand from First Music Contact, who managed the Music Industry Scheme on behalf of my Department, that all successful applicants provided Irish addresses. It is a requirement of the awards for the three schemes that all activity being funded is undertaken in Ireland.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

252. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the involvement of a music distribution company (details supplied) in the recording stimulus scheme; the process by which it was decided to involve the company in the scheme; and if the company has received financial benefit from its involvement in the scheme. [43494/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The digital music distribution company to which the Deputy refers is a commercial company based in Dublin. I understand that it is the only company of its kind in Ireland available to the independent music sector which delivers songs to radio, press and industry from one portal.

When releasing music, it is important that artists are able to distribute it as widely as possible. Distribution has a significant cost but is recognised as a vital cog in stimulating activity in the sector. Accordingly, I understand that First Music Contact, who is managing the Music Industry Stimulus Package on behalf of the Department, negotiated a favourable reduced rate with the company on behalf of all successful applicants to ensure wide distribution of the supported album releases.

This year the support schemes were operated on a pilot basis and all elements will be reviewed by the Department to inform planning on support for the music sector in future years.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

253. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to artists or acts that were announced as receiving funding under the music industry support package schemes despite not having applied; if so, the way in which this occurred; and the steps she plans to take to ensure this was not a more widespread practice and is rectified. [43495/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have been made aware of an announcement of funding to one act who had not applied under the Music Industry Support Package. This has been identified as an administrative error and has been publicly acknowledged as such by First Music Contact who managed the Music Industry Support Scheme on behalf of my Department.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

254. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps taken to ensure no conflict of interest existed between persons involved in the management of a company (details supplied), the expert panel selected to assess applications and those applying for and ultimately receiving the music industry support package schemes. [43496/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Music Industry Stimulus Scheme was managed on behalf of my Department by First Music Contact. A shortlist of prospective panel members was drawn up by FMC after consultations and was reviewed and approved by FMC board members and my Department.

All panellists were required to confirm that they had no conflict of interest in any applications and anyone who declared a conflict was excluded from adjudication of that application. Dr Aoibheann Gibbons, chair of FMC’s board, chaired the panel as a non-voting member.

All panel members’ names and biographies were published on the FMC website weeks prior to the closing date and can still be viewed on .

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

255. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the decision was made not to establish different categories of music industry support package schemes to ensure up-and-coming and struggling artists were not forced to compete with established, successful and well-known artists for the same funding. [43497/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The introduction of the Music Industry Support Package this year was the first time this type of support was offered and it was designed to meet the needs of the whole of the music sector in these unprecedented times. It covered all music genres and had three components, song writing, album release and recording.

Both up-and-coming and well established artists have been affected by COVID-19 owing to restrictions on touring and live performance. A wide range of musicians have been awarded support but demand for the schemes outweighed available funds. It is my intention to consider future supports for the music sector in 2021 and the feedback from this year's pilot schemes, including feedback received directly by my Department from musicians and representative groups, will inform planning on support for the music sector in future years.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

256. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which the song-writing camps will be overseen once funding is given under the music industry support package. [43498/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand that under the First Music Contact award conditions, all awardees must fill in a report form on the outcomes of the support. In addition all those who were supported for a songwriting camp are required to register the songs created with IMRO and provide proof of registration. There will be follow-up in six months by First Music Contact to track the outcomes and successes and a report will then be furnished to my Department.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

257. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if and the way in which funding awarded will be affected if artists do not complete activity under the song-writing or recording schemes by 23 December 2020. [43499/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Level 5 restrictions were introduced post the launch of the Music Industry Stimulus Package, which resulted in limited access to recording studios and production facilities.

As this was a matter beyond the control of the applicants, it was agreed to allow successful applicants until March 2021 to complete the work for which funding has been awarded. It is a condition that work must be planned and facilities booked before December 23rd.

Applicants who have not completed their work by March 2021 will be required to reimburse any funds already paid to them. Advance payments are capped at 50% of the award.