Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 5

Written Answers - Music Industry.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

34 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has to promote Ireland as a world centre for the production, storage and electronic distribution of music; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6433/98]

Billy Timmins

Question:

41 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress, if any, on the provision of a national music policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6524/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 34 agus 41 le chéile.

Deputies will be aware that I place a great importance on the development of the indigenous Irish music industry. To this end my Department is continuing to operate the business expansion scheme for new artists which is intended to encourage investment into what is still a high risk industry.

In addition, I have considered the most recent reports into the music industry which have suggested that the establishment of a specially designated body, or music board, would be the single most important initiative that can be taken to assist the development of our music industry. With this in mind, I met the representatives of the industry, the IBEC music industry group, on 28 January 1998, to discuss the possibilities of a partnership between the industry and the Government in establishing such a board. Such a partnership was envisaged in both IBEC's own report, Striking the Right Note, and the report of the music task force, FORTE, entitled Access All Areas.

Earlier this week I received from the music industry group of IBEC their proposal for a music board, based on the FORTE model. I will examine their proposal and engage in consultation with the group as necessary in order to make further progress in the matter.

I envisage it being the responsibility of any music board that is established to promote Ireland as a world centre for all aspects of music creation and distribution.