Exclude schools on copyright, says FF

SCHOOLS should not have to pay copyright on music played at concerts and other events, the FE spokesman on, education, Mr Micheal…

SCHOOLS should not have to pay copyright on music played at concerts and other events, the FE spokesman on, education, Mr Micheal Martin, said. In an adjournment debate, he urged the Minister for Education to amend the forthcoming Education Bill to exclude schools from the obligation to apply for a licence and pay copyright fees plus VAT.

"Isn't it a rather sad reflection on modern society that we are at the stage where a child singing in a school concert is to be the subject of a licence fee?"

The Minister of State for Enterprise and Technology, Mr Pat Rabbitte, said he doubted if artists approved of the Irish Music Rights Organisation act ing as it did in approaching schools for copyright fees.

Given our international obligations under copyright law he did not believe there was the possibility of a practical and equitable solution. However, with goodwill on all sides a solution was feasible. He urged "a civilised solution" be arrived at which would recognise the special position of schools. He would take the matter up.