Music of the Channel Islands for hundreds of years. Song in Jèrriais celebrates the language and its survival. Songs derived from French mark geographic identity and proximity to France, while songs derived from the UK and Ireland re-present Jersey's wider heritage. The development of tourism in the 19th century brought a demand for dance music in tea-rooms and hotels. Some local composers supplied songs and sheet music aimed at a tourist market. Claude Debussy composed part of "La Mer" in Jersey. John Ireland settled for a time in Guernsey. The Channel Islands Music Council was founded in 1974 to promote music in the islands. In
External relations of Guernsey aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands". In September 2015 there was a meeting with Nicola Sturgeon. Guernsey has formed part of the British–Irish Council since it was formed in 1999, as does Northern Ireland. Meetings take place twice a year, in 2004, 2010 and 2014 the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands". Guernsey has entered into Tax Information Exchange Agreements with most