HOUSEHOLD NAMES IN IRISH MUSIC GET BEHIND WILLIE PENROSE’S MUSIC BILL

Labour TD for Longford Westmeath, Willie Penrose, will  host a gathering of some of Ireland’s best known musicians to discuss his 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 covers music of all genres- from folk, traditional and country to rock, pop and classical.

Drawing on their own experiences, musicians such as Phil Coulter, Johnny, Duhan, Michael English, Tony Allen, Sibéal Ní Chasaide and Ruaile Buaile will tomorrow outline why they support the Bill.

‘Thousands of the finest Irish musicians are being excluded from our airwaves simply because we have allowed ourselves to be steered by musical trends and fashions constructed primarily in the US and Great Britain,’ said Deputy Penrose.

‘In the context of the new make-up of the Dáil, the current political dispensation and the supposed new politics, I look forward to seeing this Bill become fully fledged, important legislation on the Statute Book. It will protect our musical heritage for future generations of our citizens. They deserve nothing less.’

There will be a media opportunity after tomorrow’s meeting at 2.15pm at the Leinster House Gates on Kildare Street.