Vol. 497 No. 6
204 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will implement the proposals for the development of the music industry presented to her Department; the assistance, if any, available to those recording and seeking to market their own original music; and the measures, if any, she will take in this regard. [26058/98]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the establishment of a music board to be jointly funded by the industry and Government, as was recommended in the FORTE report.
My Department recently held a meeting with industry representatives at which concrete proposals were discussed. On foot of that meeting, specific models to give effect to the establishment of the board are now being considered by my Department and it was agreed that the industry representatives would revert to my Department in relation to their joint funding of the board. Thereafter, further meetings will be held as necessary with the industry with the aim of progressing the proposals to reality.
With regard to assistance available to those recording and seeking to market their own music, the Deputy is aware of the business expansion scheme which was expanded to the music industry in April 1996.
