The Government appreciates the importance of the cultural and creative industries to Ireland, including the music industry. My Department provides significant support for the arts and film through its funding of the Arts Council and the Film Board while my Department provides capital supports for the development of arts and cultural infrastructure.
Other financial and policy supports are also provided, for example, through the taxation system. I was particularly pleased that the Government introduced a 25% increase in the income ceiling for the artists' tax exemption for 2015. This important measure recognises the invaluable contribution which artists, including songwriters and composers, make to society and to the music industry.
I am keenly aware of the potential of the creative sector to contribute to sustainable jobs growth and my Department continues to work with other Departments, in particular with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation across a range of areas as set out in the Action Plan for Jobs.
My Department - through Culture Ireland – also plays a major part in promoting Irish arts and music on the world stage.
Issues in relation to the creative industries are also of relevance in the development of Ireland's first national cultural policy, Culture 2025, which I intend to finalise shortly. The issue of reviewing the structures which support the cultural sector will be considered in the context of any next steps arising from the publication of Culture 2025.
Regarding the report referred to, my Department will consider the relevant recommendations in the context of the policy work being undertaken by my Department as set out above.
