Penrose music quota bill 'killed by cowardice'

 

 

 

 

 

An attempt to force Irish radio stations to play a certain quota of Irish music has been defeated in Dáil Éireann.

 

Deputy Willie Penrose, who was championing the cause of Ireland’s musicians with his Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, said that cowardice had prevailed, and that bureaucrats had “won the day”.

 

"I am disappointed that this Bill won't be allowed to progress to Committee stage to iron out any issues with the Bill but my disappointment doesn't compare to that of the musicians who are gathered here tonight. Cowardice has prevailed and bureaucrats have won the day," he said.

 

Deputy Penrose said that to date, Ireland has let down Irish musicians, and that it was the duty of legislators to protect and promote citizens’ creative spirit”.

 

"I have been focused on this issue for a number of years, having had detailed discussions with numerous musicians, composers and singers, among them Stephen Travers, Danny McCarthy and the world-renowned Johnny Duhan, who has written extensively on this issue and has compellingly debunked the basis of the many and varied bureaucratic responses which were the hallmark of political and ministerial answers to this suggestion of a quota, which were cowardly,” said Depty Penrose.

 

Minister Denis Naughton, speaking on the Bill said he did not believe it would assist the Irish music industry if introduced, and he believed it would be unworkable from a practical regulatory point of view.”

 

He continued: “The wording refers to ‘musical composition that relate to some distinguishing element of the culture of the island of Ireland’.  Who is to decide what those distinguishing elements might be?  Will it, for example, encompass electronica music like techno, ambient and downtempo?
 
“Furthermore, in a multi-cultural society like we have now, how should we treat music written or even enjoyed by those Irish citizens of African or Eastern European heritage?”