The motion, backed by The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue and singer-songwriter Iain Archer, calls on the government to legislate for fair pay and consent as generative AI reshapes the music industry
The Ivors Academy has welcomed a Dáil motion, tabled for Tuesday July 14th, calling on the Irish government to protect the livelihoods of Irish songwriters and composers from the impact of generative AI. The motion is part of a wider campaign from The Ivors Academy, IMRO and the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland to push creators’ rights up the political agenda.
The motion was tabled by Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Arts, and recognises the work being done to defend creators against exploitation and to highlight the impact of AI on rights holders.
It follows a letter The Ivors Academy sent to the Taoiseach earlier this month, urging Ireland to use its Presidency of the Council of the European Union to lead European efforts on protecting songwriters and composers from generative AI.
The motion calls on the government to:
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- Lead European action on creators’ rights during Ireland’s EU Presidency, including a dedicated conference on copyright and AI
- Introduce legislation guaranteeing fair remuneration, licensing, opt-outs and legal protections for creators
- Ensure public arts funding supports human creativity rather than AI-generated content
- Include arts sector representation on Ireland’s AI Advisory Council
The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue backed the motion, saying it’s vital the government stands up for creators and gives them consent, fair pay and transparency. ‘” “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.”
Two-time Ivor Novello winner Iain Archer, who sits on The Ivors Academy’s board and chairs its All-Ireland Council, was more forceful, arguing that tech companies are undermining songwriters’ livelihoods and that machines can’t replicate the human experience behind a song.
“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 we intervention at the highest levels is so important right now.“
Ivors Academy CEO Roberto Neri called the motion an important milestone showing what’s possible when creators, industry and policymakers work together, while the organisation’s Ireland policy head Catherine Martin urged TDs to back the motion when it comes to a vote on July 14th.
The Ivors Academy launched its Irish operation earlier this year, marking its first formal presence outside the UK in more than eighty years, giving songwriters and composers across the island a dedicated body representing their interests.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
