Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:46. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when Culture 2025 will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43497/15]
Other Questions
Cultural Policy
The Minister has committed herself to the production of a national cultural policy and promised that it will be published in early 2016. I do not doubt that this is a very worthwhile exercise. I understand that the process of consultation throughout the country concluded on 31 October or thereabouts. Can the Minister guarantee that this report will be published very quickly?
I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. The aim of the new national cultural policy, Culture 2025, is to set out the high level aims and policies of the Government in this area for the period until 2025. It will seek to reinforce the crucial role of culture in society by supporting the cultural sector and providing conditions that will allow the sector to develop and flourish across all sectors of society. Culture 2025 will seek to reflect the modern multicultural Ireland. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht published a discussion document on 8 August last to facilitate public consultation on the proposed policy. This was followed up by holding a series of local workshops to enable people across the country to have their views heard. Meetings took place in Cavan, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny and Dublin. I attended the Dublin event, which followed the participative world café model and was held under the open policy debates programme in line with the Civil Service renewal plan. I am pleased to inform the House that this event, which was held in the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, was a great occasion with a high level of engagement from those attending. I thank all those who participated in the various consultation events, which were attended by over 600 people, and those who were involved in organising and running them. More than 200 written submissions were received before the closing date of 31 October last. The feedback from the regional meetings and the submissions are being examined in detail as part of the process of drafting the cultural policy. An expert group and a steering group established by my Department and comprising a range of cultural stakeholders are also making an input into the process of consultation and drafting. I intend that Culture 2025 will be a high level and living document that will set out the framework of cultural policy for the next decade. I propose to submit it to the Government shortly with the intention of publishing it early in the new year.
Is this document going to be published before the general election, while the Minister is still in her current position? I assume she values the initiative she has been involved in. Are any big creative ideas emerging from the worthwhile consultation that has happened and the written submissions that have been received?
For example, will they address key areas? The Minister spoke about the transition from being a relatively monocultural society to a society which is diverse. I was at a small rural school recently where 26 nationalities were represented, and Culture 2025 has to take some of this on board. It also has to look at the relationship between the Arts Council and the local authorities who have a greater role in arts and culture development. It must also underwrite funding commitments for the national cultural institutions which cannot be left to flounder without adequate funding.
There was a consultation process and it was good to get out there. I attended two of the meetings and all the stakeholders came together for the final one in Kilmainham Hospital, Dublin. It was a great opportunity for stakeholders to make their views known to me and my Department and to network. Some people might say we are moving this too quickly but I am very anxious to move it forward. This is our first ever cultural policy and I am not saying we will get all of it right the first time. As I said, it will be a living document. I promised we would have a cultural consultation day in order that whoever is in this job next year will allow it to take place. It is important that all the stakeholders in the arts and the cultural sector engage.
The core strands to emerge included the intrinsic value of culture. Culture is of value in and of itself to each person living here and to those who visit, as well as something which benefits the economy. Ireland is an island of rich and diverse cultural activity and the policy should reflect this. Multiculture is for everyone. It should be fully inclusive and celebrate every aspect of every culture in the State. As the Deputy pointed out, schools throughout the country have many different nationalities and it is important to embrace other cultures to make our own culture richer.
The Minister will be publishing a strategy but many of us did not have the opportunity to engage in the consultations to the extent we might have and I have not seen the written submissions to the Department. Will the Minister give Members a commitment that she will publish the submissions, or at least a synopsis of them, in order that we can get an idea of the issues that arose at the consultations? This is important in order that we can all evaluate what came in and what the Department will ultimately produce.
This has been a very open process and we will publish all the submissions. We want to put together the policy on the basis of those submissions so it is important they are all included as far as possible in the policy document. I will check with my officials whether it is possible to put them all online as that would be a very good idea. This is a new venture and we may not get all of it right first time. It is a living document and will evolve and it is not a policy that will be left sitting on a shelf. We will continue to look at it and may change aspects of it in consultation with stakeholders.
Artists' Remuneration
Sandra McLellan
Ceist:47. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the provisions she will put in place to protect the rights of artists and to provide them with adequate remuneration for the use of their copyrighted works. [43464/15]
Will the Minister outline what provision she plans to put in place to protect the rights of artists and provide them with adequate remuneration for the use of their copyrighted works?
In general, the law on copyright is a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. My Department is aware of the importance of protecting the rights of artists, including the issues of protection of intellectual property in the digital age. EU policy in this regard is also significant.
The issues of supporting artists, including with regard to copyright, has been an area of significant discussion during the public consultation phases of developing the proposed new national cultural policy, Culture 2025. I expect that these complex issues will be reflected in the final policy document.
My primary role is to support artists and the creative industries in Ireland using the mechanisms available to me and working across Government on common initiatives such as the Action Plan for Jobs. The Arts Council is the main mechanism through which the Government directs funding to the arts and to artists. In this regard, the Arts Council recently published its new strategy statement, Making Great Art Work. This sets out the Arts Council plans to lead the development of the arts in the decade to 2025 and prioritises two policy areas, the artist and public engagement.
The work of the Irish Film Board, which my Department funds, is also a significant support for creative workers in Ireland. This sector is also supported by the improved tax incentive system introduced by this Government. This year, as part of budget 2016, I was pleased to announce a 12% increase in allocations across a range of areas, including the Ireland 2016 centenary programme and a new investment programme for regional arts and cultural centres. There will be significant benefits accruing for artists and creative workers from many of the Ireland 2016 programmes supported by this additional funding, including at international level.
I was also particularly pleased that the Government introduced a 25% increase in the ceiling for the artists exemption from 2015. This important measure recognises the invaluable contribution which artists make to Irish society. The feedback available to me indicates that artists very much welcome the increase in the exemption limits. The scheme ensures Ireland continues to be a place where the work of artists is valued.
I note the Minister's comments that some of this might be addressed in the 2025 cultural policy, and I welcome that. The basic principle of copyright is that the creator shares in the economic return from their work and receives equitable remuneration for its use. Remuneration is considered to be equitable if it is proportional to the income earned by the work. Where this produces large quantities of small payments, collective management organisations manage the process. Most European countries consider this to be a good practice, but Ireland is unique. Does the Minister agree that many of our artists are still struggling and that we must ensure they get their fair share of remuneration?
The report of the independent copyright review committee appointed by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, entitled Modernising Copyright, was published in October 2013. The report contains in excess of 60 recommendations covering a diverse range of copyright issues. Following extensive analysis of the recommendations contained in the report, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is in the process of developing legislative proposals for consideration by the Government.
There is a progressive and evolving framework on copyright at EU and international levels. In the EU copyright context there are imminent proposals expected from the European Commission before the end of this year and a further set of proposals is expected in spring 2016. Officials from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation have been active in seeking to influence the development of EU proposals in the copyright area, for example, in the context of the Commission's digital Single Market strategy which was published on 5 May 2015.
Work is ongoing in this area. We will watch it closely and continue to work with other Departments on this matter.
The public lending right which provides writers with a small payment when their books are loaned in a public library was introduced by statutory instrument. Private copying levies, rental and lending rights and so forth are standard sources of income for creators and performers in most EU member states. Ireland is unique in adopting an approach of introducing such support schemes only, it appears, when forced to do so by EU directives and then in minimal form. The Minister said there are 60 recommendations in Modernising Copyright. Are any other schemes being explored? When might we see some of those recommendations being implemented?
The Deputy mentioned other schemes. In April 2014, the Irish Association of Songwriters, Composers and Authors was awarded a grant from the Department's capital budget of €50,000 for the purpose of introducing a digital music system to be available to all Irish musicians and broadcasters. The association carried out considerable research and identified the digital media distribution system, or DMDS, as the most suitable. DMDS is a secure method of distributing audio and video material via the Internet. It can be used by industry professionals including broadcasters, musicians, music promoters, advertisers and post-production companies. The DMDS service supports functions such as the distribution of broadcast quality music, video and television advertising as well as music distribution to radio and industry professionals. The DMDS was launched in 2003. It works as a middleman between music labels and radio stations to deliver music and promotional information via e-mail.
Irish Music Industry Promotion
Mick Wallace
Ceist:48. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she is taking to increase co-operation and co-ordination between the different sources of funding for musicians, Culture Ireland, Irish Music Rights Organisation and First Music Contact, in order to make the best use of available resources; if she has consulted the Department of Social Protection or the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation regarding the feasibility of developing targeted schemes for those interested in working in the music industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43483/15]
Earlier this year, IMRO reported that the Irish music industry contributes more than €470 million to the domestic economy and supports more than 9,000 direct jobs in Ireland. Every €1 invested in the industry generates between €4 and €7. However, the same report found that our industry is struggling to realise its full potential. There is very little co-ordination between the main bodies working to support the arts in Ireland, the Arts Council, IMRO and the various Departments concerned, which presents a huge obstacle to the development of an effective Irish music industry. I asked the Minister months ago whether she would take any steps to increase the co-operation and co-ordination among the different sources of funding, including the various Departments. Has she made any progress in that area?
The Government appreciates the importance of the cultural and creative industries to Ireland, including the music industry. Primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts, including music, is devolved to the Arts Council. The council, which is funded by my Department, is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations and, specifically, in its funding decisions. The Arts Council sets out its approach to its statutory functions in periodic strategy documents. Recently, the council published a new strategy statement, Making Great Art Work. The strategy statement sets out the Arts Council's plans to lead the development of the arts in the decade 2016–25. The new strategy prioritises the two policy areas: the artist and public engagement. The document outlines a range of actions that the Arts Council has set itself in order to deliver on its vision.
In addition to Arts Council interventions, Culture Ireland within my Department provides supports for Irish artists and musicians. Its remit is to promote the Irish arts worldwide by creating and supporting opportunities for Irish artists and companies to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues. Culture Ireland plays a major part in promoting the Irish arts and music on the world stage. Culture Ireland funds and works closely with First Music Contact, or FMC, to promote and create opportunities for Irish bands to tour internationally. As part of the Hard Working Class Heroes festival delivered by FMC in Dublin every October, Culture Ireland supports the travel of international buyers to attend the festival. As part of the event, seminars on how to maximise international touring opportunities are held for those in the music industry. My Department also provides support for music through its funding of the music capital scheme, which is delivered by Music Network.
As part of budget 2016, I was pleased to announce a 12% increase in allocations across a range of areas, including the Ireland 2016 centenary programme and a new investment programme for regional arts and cultural centres. There will be significant benefits accruing for musicians from many of the Ireland 2016 programmes supported by this additional funding, including at international level.
The Minister refers to funding from this area and that area, but she must admit that we compare poorly with international standards. Sadly, the arts are not seen in Ireland as businesses in their own right.
Often, the State treats music as a hobby, something that people do before they get jobs. The lack of support is felt at individual level, with many people forced onto the dole or into JobBridge or Gateway. The impression given is that people who are trying to start in music should be playing gigs for free to get exposure.
The lack of support is also felt at community level by local organisations that support music in the regions and rely heavily on the Arts Council for their survival. For example, the Music in Kilkenny group, an organisation that holds 20 concerts throughout the year in the south east and is regarded as one of Ireland's most active and successful classical music promoters, found out last week that its annual grant of €11,000 was being cut completely. Music for Wexford, a similar body, endured a cut recently. This not only affects organisations and deprives local areas of cultural events but also hits artists, who lose out on performance opportunities.
Many sectors get tax exemptions and various supports that are in a different league than what the music industry gets. Despite the fact we are a small island with a small population, music is powerful in Ireland.
Hear, hear. Bring back the guitars.
It needs more support. This would do wonders for the tourism industry, never mind the artists themselves.
I agree that we need to support artists in reaching their full potential. Funding for artists is provided through the Arts Council, which is independent. The Deputy mentioned a body that did not receive funding, but that must be a decision for the Arts Council. It funds many and various artists, organisations and events throughout the country. We increased its funding this year compared with last year's budget.
My Department principally supports artists and arts organisations through the work of the Arts Council. Culture Ireland plays a major part in promoting Irish artists and music on the world stage through a number of schemes and initiatives. The Irish Film Board works hard to support writers, directors and producers by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects.
Before handing over, I welcome some visitors to the Public Gallery. They are always welcome. It is good that they are present.
Are they from Lucan?
Perhaps we should insist on more accountability from the Arts Council in how it operates if the Minister is raising question marks over it. I understand that there is a 10% minimum of Irish artists played on radio, in particular by RTE. Given that the Government controls RTE, perhaps the Minister will have a word with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with a view to improving this figure. For example, France insists on 40% of the music played on its national airwaves being French. It would make a major difference if we increased our minimum to 30%. That would be a threefold increase.
That is a good idea.
It would be a big break for Irish musicians.
Apart from the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, who it would not be worth talking to, given the way he controls RTE, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht stated the last time that I raised questions with her that she would discuss grants for artists with the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection. Has she done that yet?
Funding for artists is a matter for the Arts Council, which does a good job and is independent. It receives funding of €59 million, which is approximately one third of my budget. It decides who qualifies for funding, has set up a panel and does assessments. Any decision in that regard lies with it. I understand the Deputy's remarks about more Irish music being played on radio. That is a complex issue, as we all know. If he has suggestions, I would be happy to hear them.
Architectural Heritage
Gabrielle McFadden
Ceist:49. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the main recommendations in the recently launched historic houses action plan report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43479/15]
I am grateful for the opportunity to raise this matter. My question is on the recommendations in the recently-launched historic houses action plan report.
(Interruptions).
I call on Deputies to carry on private conversations outside while a Member is speaking.
I compliment the Minister on her clear commitment to protecting our historic houses for future generations. Could she broadly outline the proposals in this regard and the effect she expects them to have on historic houses?
As Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I am aware of the growing risk to the sustainable future of the remaining stock of Irish historic houses in private ownership, where owners have consistently struggled, throughout the past century, to find sustainable alternative means of meeting the ongoing costs of their maintenance. I have also recognised that these houses are often a significantly important resource for local communities and a vital attraction for tourists. They can and do contribute significantly to the local economy.
It is within this context that I had the action plan for Irish historic houses in private ownership developed, and I secured Government approval for it. I was very pleased, therefore, to launch the action plan on 30 November last. The objective of the action plan is to assist historic houses in general with their ongoing protection, management and promotion. Specific actions include working with the local authority to develop a more streamlined partnership approach with the local economy, seeking to optimise the provision of existing supports and fiscal incentives, and seeking to develop new initiatives that might help to establish priorities by way of targeted support mechanisms.
I thank the Minister. Certainly, the report is most welcome. There are a number of wonderful historic houses in my constituency — I am obviously being parochial — that have been recognised as tourism landmarks, including Belvedere House and Ballinlough Castle. If one visits one of these wonderful buildings, one certainly gets a strong sense of place. It helps us to appreciate our cultural identity. Many of the owners of such historic houses, including those in my constituency, have done Trojan work to protect them by applying considerable business acumen. Many of the houses are not just open to the public, but are also strong focal points for cultural events. I very much enjoy going to these houses to see how the other half used to live. Cultural events promote the houses and generate important income to protect and preserve them. The maintenance of the houses comprises a very significant ongoing financial challenge for the owners. Many of them have to develop business models so their houses will continue to be open in future.
While I understand the historic house report rules out the State fully funding or purchasing properties, I welcome the possibility of historic houses benefiting from a tax relief. Could the Minister elaborate on that?
A number of actions contained in the initiative will be interdependent. This has been recognised by the committee formed to develop the action plan for historic houses. I thank it for the work it did in developing the report. It has been recognised that a number of specific actions will be prioritised. These are the review, in collaboration with the Department of Finance, of the provisions of section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997; the development of an historic house living museum programme for private houses open to the public; the development of a specific visitor promotional programme focused primarily on the Irish historic house in private ownership; and the establishment, in collaboration with local authorities and others, as applicable, of a sector-specific building conversation advisory service for owners of historic houses and related structures.
I understand I am under time pressure so I will not go into a lot of detail. I am glad to learn the recommendations will not just emphasise the marketing of the houses, but also the protection of the infrastructure. In the context of protecting infrastructure, I welcomed the proposal to establish the building conservation advisory service for the owners, which will provide important advice on the maintenance and upkeep of houses.
I commend the Minister and all the stakeholders on their work in the preparation of this report and I look forward to the implementation of its recommendations. Is there a timeline for the implementation of the report?
I thank the Deputy. The report has been published and we will continue to work with all the stakeholders. It is a matter of working together. The local communities, local heritage groups and various others involved need to work together to protect what are tremendous assets in our communities. The houses are such an attraction in terms of heritage. The owners have a special story to tell, and that the owners are in the houses adds to the vibrancy of the houses. I have already mentioned the concept of the living museum.