Funding for arts sector projects must be protected during the review of the operation of the Arts Council following the revelations concerning spending by the organisation on an unsuccessful IT transformation scheme, according to the Musicians Union of Ireland (MUI).

Following a meeting of the MUI Executive this week in Liberty Hall in Dublin, MUI Vice-President, David Agnew, said: “The Arts Council provides key funding streams for cultural workers. We are specifically concerned about musicians and the possible impact on them of any freeze on the Arts Council’s operation during a review. This cannot happen and would only result in damage to the arts sector and increase issues for musicians who depend on performing at cultural events which it helps fund.”