Vol. 533 No. 6
351 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans she has to establish a music board; the proposed functions of such a board; the likely membership of such a board; and when she will be in a position to announce same. [9961/01]
The report of the FORTE task force recommended that a music board should be established to promote and develop the indigenous music industry. I am pleased to advise that agreement has been reached with the music industry representatives under the auspices of IBEC to jointly fund a non-statutory music board of Ireland for an initial period of three years to further promote the industry.
The function of the interim Music Board of Ireland is to act as a forum for the industry to devise and actively promote strategic policies for the development of the music industry and the maximisation of its contribution to the national economy. It will also draw up proposals for legislation to establish the board on a statutory footing.
The board will have nine members, of which four will be appointed by me, and four by members of the IBEC music industry group. The chairperson will also be appointed by me following consultation with the IBEC music industry group. I am in final consultation with IBEC on the appointment of the chairperson and following this process, I will be in a position to announce the establishment of the Music Board of Ireland.
