The Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA) yesterday hosted an AV Room briefing for Members of the Oireachtas focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the music sector. The presentation highlighted the importance of the music industry to the Irish economy and the potential for AI to be a powerful and transformative tool for creativity and growth, while warning that without safeguards and enforcement of laws governing its usage, its misuse poses serious risks to artists, consumers and the wider economy.
The average adult in Ireland spends close to €800 per year on music across streaming, physical formats, merchandise and live events. This economic activity sustains thousands of jobs across live performance, production, hospitality and the wider night-time sector and provides €1 billion to the Irish economy.
IRMA emphasised that AI is a permanent feature of the technological landscape and that the industry is keen to approach AI in a constructive manner. However, where copyrighted works are used without consent or compensation, the consequences for artists and the wider economy are serious.
To demonstrate the sophistication and accessibility of current tools, with the panel shared a live deepfake example: a digitally generated version of Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne (made with his prior consent). The demonstration highlighted the potential misuse of such technology in both the music industry and political life, and the possibilities of its ethical and lawful use.
IRMA called on legislators to ensure:
- Full and robust enforcement of copyright and intellectual property law
- Clear rules governing the lawful use of copyrighted works in AI training
- Transparency and accountability from AI developers
- A commercial licensing market that guarantees fair remuneration for creators.
IRMA head of Public Affairs and Communications, David Kitching, said:
“Irish music is a global success story, with real social, cultural and economic value.. AI has the potential to create new opportunities, but it must operate within a framework that respects the law and values human creativity.”
He added:
“If we fail to enforce copyright protections in the AI era, we risk undermining a sector worth €1 billion annually and the thousands of livelihoods it supports. Legislators have a critical role in ensuring innovation and creativity can thrive side by side.”
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