This marks a significant milestone for creators' rights and reflects growing political recognition of the need to protect music creators from the impact of AI.
The motion, tabled by Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, and Arts, recognises the work of The Ivors Academy and other organisations to defend “the rights of Irish artists, authors, creators and performers against exploitation and misuse, and for highlighting the impact of artificial intelligence developments on rights holders.”
The Dáil motion follows a sustained campaign by The Ivors Academy, IMRO and the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland to strengthen protections for creators. Earlier this month The Ivors Academy wrote to the Taoiseach calling on Ireland to use its Presidency of the Council of the European Union to lead Europe in strengthening protections for songwriters and composers in response to generative AI.
The motion calls on the Government to:
- Lead European action on creators’ rights during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, including a dedicated conference on copyright and AI.
- Introduce legislation to ensure fair remuneration, licensing, opt-outs and legal protections for creators.
- Ensure public funding for the arts supporting human creativity, not AI-generated content.
- Include arts sector representation on Ireland’s AI Advisory Council.
Danny O’Donoghue from The Script said, “It’s vital that the government backs us on this motion to protect Irish songwriters and composers from the misuse of generative AI. We must stand up for the creators who have dedicated their lives to this craft which is the foundation of Irish culture and give them what they deserve - their consent, fair pay and transparency.”
Iain Archer, two-time Ivor Novello winning songwriter, Board Director at The Ivors Academy and Chair of its All-Ireland Council said, “Generations of songwriters have put their heart and soul into their work. Songs which bear their fingerprint, songs which they rightfully own, and yet enrich us all. Tech companies are destroying our beautiful craft and our livelihood with each day that they continue to steal from all music creators. Machines cannot ever equate loves, losses, celebration or yearning. I want to see future generations of human songwriters have the opportunity to do this. We need this. This is why intervention at the highest levels is so important right now.”
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy said, “This is an important milestone for songwriters and composers in Ireland which demonstrates the value of creators, industry partners and policymakers working together to protect the rights and livelihoods of Irish writers. Since launching The Ivors Academy in Ireland, we've been committed to ensuring music creators have a stronger voice in shaping policy.”
Catherine Martin, Head of Policy, Ireland of The Ivors Academy said, “Ireland has an opportunity to lead the conversation on creators' rights during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and we hope this motion builds momentum for meaningful, practical action. We urge members of Dáil Éireann to support songwriters and composers by voting in support of the motion on 14 July.”
The Ivors Academy announced the launch of The Ivors Academy in Ireland earlier this year, its first formal presence outside the UK in more than eight decades of championing songwriters and composers. This milestone creates a new, dedicated home for music writers across the whole island of Ireland, supporting all genres, disciplines and career stages.
