Kitt beats drum for Irish music as a way of lifting our spirits

IRISH music should be used to lift people out of the economic gloom and “engender a sense of wellbeing” around the country, according to chairman of the Oireachtas Arts Committee, Tom Kitt.

The committee heard that radio stations are favouring the likes of Lady GaGa, Rihanna and other big international acts over Irish artists, meaning many musicians here have to leave the country to “make it” in the industry.

According to figures provided to the committee, 93% of royalties paid here go outside the state, while a total of just €40,000 in royalties was paid last year to traditional or folk musicians. The average wage for a musician, according to the latest figures, is just €10,000 a year.