ALAN KELLY PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR LABOUR'S IRISH MUSIC BILL

Issued : Tuesday 27 September, 2016

Labour TD for Tipperary Alan Kelly has welcomed his colleague Willie Penrose’s proposed legislation to guarantee more airtime for music of Irish origin on the country’s airwaves.

Under the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2016, a quota of at least 40 per cent of the airtime allotted to music on Irish radio stations would contain a distinctive Irish element, as a condition for the awarding of all sound and broadcasting contracts.

 “This is a very innovative piece of legislation to support Irish artists across every musical genre- from rock, pop and classical to folk, traditional and country music,’ said Deputy Kelly.

“It’s vital that some of our best homegrown talent  such as Hozier, Kodaline, The Riptide Movement, The Coronas and The Blizzards to name a few, get the airtime they deserve.”

Drawing on their own experiences, musicians such as Phil Coulter, Johnny, Duhan, Michael English, Tony Allen, Sibéal Ní Chasaide and Ruaile Buaile will gather at Leinster House tomorrow to outline their support for the Bill.