Vol. 534 No. 4
182 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the value and recognition the Government places on the music industry; the supports in place to help the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10862/01]
This Government is keenly aware of the value of the music industry. I am pleased to advise that agreement has been reached with the music industry representatives, under the auspices of IBEC, to establish the Music Board of Ireland and I hope to be able to make an announcement in this regard shortly.
The main function of the Music Board of Ireland will be 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 be established initially for three years as a non-statutory body. Its terms of reference will include the drawing up of proposals for legislation to establish the board on a statutory footing.
The industry is also supported by the business expansion scheme which was extended to the music industry in 1997. In the period 1997 to 2000, the total level of investment certified by my Department under the scheme was £2.75 million.
