I propose to take Questions Nos. 281, 282 and 296 together.
Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 214 of 17 February 2021, I understand that the first organisation to which the Deputy refers entered into negotiations on music distribution with the second organisation on the basis that it is the only company of its kind in Ireland available to the independent music sector. It directly delivers music (in the correct format) into music libraries of radio stations and all other media contacts in Ireland as well as delivering it directly to a database of music industry professionals.
The first organisation negotiated a favourable reduced rate with the second organisation which could be availed of by all successful applicants of the album release scheme to ensure wide distribution of the supported album releases. Awardees may opt not to use the second organisation if they so wish.
A third organisation to which the Deputy refers to in Question No. 282 is a discovery music portal built and owned by the first organisation where artists can create electronic press kits, and it can be accessed by artists, fans and industry professionals in Ireland and abroad. That organisation is a platform and does not offer an active service such as that provided by the second organisation.