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The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy

February 18, 2015

Report Highlights the Socio Economic Opportunities of Developing Ireland’s Music Industry

Wednesday, 18th February 2015 – There are significant job creation, export, commercial and educational opportunities to be opened up for Ireland’s indigenous music industry if the right support structures can be put in place. This is according to a new report produced by Deloitte and commissioned by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) on behalf of the Irish music industry. The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy highlights the considerable opportunities for Ireland’s vibrant music sector and sets out a number of recommendations to maximise the contribution of music in Ireland in the short, medium and long term. The report was launched by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys TD and Irish singer-songwriters Brian Kennedy and Luan Parle.

Based on sectoral analysis, the survey found that the Irish music industry contributes over €470 million to the economy and supports more than 11,510 jobs in Ireland – 9,030 direct, 2,480 indirect. In addition, while digital sales in Ireland have grown significantly, latest figures show that in the four years to 2012, recorded music sales fell by almost €40 million from €72 million to €33 million per annum

A survey of IMRO members and consultations with key music industry representatives – including artists and labels, publishers, songwriters, management companies, retail and broadcast personnel – highlighted a number of concerns relating to finance, market access, intellectual property, education and training and collaboration. To that end, the report outlines a number of recommendations, including:

  • The establishment of a Music Industry Taskforce, with representatives from Government, the business community and industry to help reinvigorate the sector and encourage collaboration;
  • Appointing an IP ‘Tsar’ to consider the impact of IP and copyright legislation and enforcement in both the music and technology industries;
  • The development of advanced training courses for music professionals to focus on ‘business of music’ education, particularly for early career musicians;
  • Establishing a Music Office – Music Ireland – to act as a focal point for the music industry, similar to the Irish Film Board. This office would provide assistance to individuals in the music sector and those looking to enter new overseas markets; Greater collaboration between the music, tourism, gaming and technology sectors;
  • Greater support for musicians, many of whom are self-employed, in accessing finance and ensuring that fiscal supports are effective and appropriately structured.

Commenting on the report, Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys TD said, “This report highlights the huge contribution the music industry makes to our economy. Ireland’s rich musical heritage is a very important element of our image on the international stage and it acts as a major draw for tourists. I look forward to working further with the music industry as my Department develops our first even national cultural policy;  Culture 2025. I am very keen to get the views and input of the music industry and stakeholders across the arts. I intend to publish a Culture 2025 Discussion Paper shortly, which will be an important step in opening up the debate around how we should shape the future of the arts in Ireland – including music.”

Keith Donald, Chair of IMRO said, “We are at an exciting juncture for Irish music and now is the time to ascertain how we can support, grow and reinvigorate the industry. The sector delivers significantly for Irish society and the economy, maintaining and creating thousands of jobs. Collaboration amongst Government, industry and music creators themselves will help the sector to adapt to new challenges, grasp new opportunities and help it to reach its full potential.”

Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO said, “If we are to maintain and increase participation in Irish music, it is important that Government, the business community and industry work together to recast perceptions of music as a career and to ensure that the right supports and structures are in place to assist musicians, help them to realise their potential and access markets in Ireland and overseas. In addition, we are calling for greater collaboration between the music industry and the tourism, film, technology and gaming sectors to create new opportunities for growth. The economic and social dividend for Ireland will be significant.”

Singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy said, “As a working musician and performer for the last 25 years it is incredibly important to stand by IMRO on these vitally important issues that affect the entire music industry.  Being a music creator is an actual proper job and this should be recognised, rewarded and assisted through all possible channels.  It is important to put in place resources that remunerate creation from its inception by supporting songwriters and composers’ basic investment, without which no works could ever come into existence. Music creators play an enormous role in society and never more so as we work our way through challenging economic times.”

Singer-songwriter Luan Parle added “I greatly welcome the announcement of this important report today as it paints a realistic picture of how our industry operates and hopefully it will lead to a better understanding of what investments, collaborations and regulatory environment is needed to help our industry grow in the months and years ahead.”

NEW REPORT SHOWS THAT THE IRISH MUSIC INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTES ALMOST HALF A BILLION EURO TO THE ECONOMY AND SUPPORTS MORE THAN 11,500 JOBS

 

Summary Report:

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Full Report:

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