Taoiseach concerned at ‘any diminution’ of RTÉ orchestras

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has expressed concern about "any diminution" of the RTÉ orchestras amid speculation about a possible merger of the broadcaster's symphony and concert orchestras.

He told Labour arts spokeswoman Joan Burton he would raise the issue with Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Heather Humphreys.

Ms Burton raised her concerns in the wake of parliamentary replies she had received from the Minister about the orchestras.

“The Minister tells me that she is not aware that RTÉ are making a review in relation to orchestras as part of their overall review of operations,” she said. “She is not aware that submissions have been sought in relation to this matter.”

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The Dublin West TD said “the issue of the orchestras is very important to the future of culture in Ireland”.

Musicians who leave are not being replaced and RTÉ is allowing orchestra members to avail of the voluntary redundancy scheme.

“There is a really serious concern among professional musicians in Ireland, particularly people working in the orchestras under the aegis of RTÉ that there is going to be a severe reduction in the number of orchestras, which are two,” she said.

She said that there was “very little in Ireland in the way of professional orchestras and the idea that one of them under an RTÉ review would be closed down and many musicians deprived of employment is seriously worrying”.

She called on the Taoiseach to express his concern and solidarity with the musicians in the orchestra and music students working for degrees.

They “really have very little prospect of employment in their own country if this policy of potentially closing down orchestras were to proceed on your watch”.

The Taoiseach reiterated his commitment to doubling total arts funding over the next seven years.

He said he was unaware of the detail around the review of the orchestras. “I certainly would share you concerns about any diminution of the RTÉ orchestra or any other orchestras,” he said and committed to raising the issue with Ms Humphreys.