Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2018
91. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps her Department is taking to support orchestras; if her attention has been drawn to the publicity regarding the shortages in the RTÉ concert orchestra; the detail of the review RTÉ is carrying out into the provision of orchestra services; if her Department will make a submission or has an input into this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3066/18]
View answerI understand the Deputy's concern about the RTE orchestras. As Minister with responsibility for culture, and with oversight of the National Concert Hall, I believe it is important that there is strong provision of orchestral music in Ireland.
The Deputy will appreciate that there are existing legislative obligations on RTÉ in relation to the provision of music and that responsibility for RTÉ is, in the first instance, a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
However, given my Department's remit in relation to cultural provision, officials of my Department have met with officials of that Department to discuss the matter. My officials have been informed that RTÉ has acknowledged that the orchestras are integral to RTE's arts and cultural programming, and form a key part of RTÉ’s arts and culture strategy.
My understanding is that the RTÉ review is an internal review which is to make recommendations regarding the best configuration of the orchestras, and that external submissions have not been sought.
However, my Department will maintain close contact with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment over the coming weeks and both Departments will consider the outcome of the RTÉ review when that is complete. I understand that a final report will be delivered to RTÉ by the end of February.
We await the outcome of that review and my Department will maintain close contact with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in that regard.”
