Eric J. Byrne
Question:32 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when he will establish the Irish music board; the remit of this board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12650/97]
Written Answers. - Irish Music Board.
One of the main recommendations of the FORTE report which was launched by me in December 1996 is the establishment of an Irish Music Board. One of the most interesting aspects of the proposal is that it envisages that the music board would be a partnership between the industry and the State sector and jointly funded. As the Deputy will appreciate this is a complex proposal and could have implications for other State bodies and agencies. Discussions with representatives of the music industry are ongoing on this and other issues and I will be defining my approach to the question of the music board and the other recommendations in the light of my ongoing dialogue with the industry.