Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Inniu, pléimid coinníollacha oibre agus forbairt sa tionscal scannán, working conditions and development within the Irish film industry.

Today, we are here to discuss working conditions in and the development of the Irish film industry and to help us in our consideration of this matter we are joined by the Irish Film Board, represented by Mr. James Hickey, CEO, Ms Teresa Mc McGrane and Mr. Stephen Davenport; and Screen Producers Ireland, represented by Ms Elaine Geraghty and Mr. David Collins. Representing Irish Equity and SIPTU, we have Ms Karan O' Loughlin, Mr. Pádraig Murray, Mr. Denis Hynes and Mr. Graham Macken. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir as teacht isteach iinniu chun é seo a phlé linn.

Before we start, I want to read the terms and conditions of our meetings. I wish to draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise that the opening statement or any documents witnesses have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Chun tús a chur leis an gcomhrá, tugaimid cuireadh anois do Bhord Scannan na hÉireann a chur i láthair a dhéanamh. I invite the Irish Film Board to make its presentation.