Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Irish Film Industry: Discussion (Resumed)

11:00 am

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

We will continue our discussion on working conditions in and the development of the Irish film industry. At our previous meeting we heard from the Irish Film Board, Screen Producers Ireland, Irish Equity and SIPTU. Today, I welcome Ms Denise Walker, Mr. John Ward, Mr. Liam Neville and Mr. Thomas O'Meilly from the GMB trade union and Mr. John Purdy and Mr. John Arkins from the Irish Film Workers Association.

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.

This is a very important issue and it is a great opportunity for us to get people who are experienced in the sector to focus on some of the issues that are affecting the sector in order that we can strengthen it. We want to do so in a fair manner. I invite the representative from GMB to make a presentation.

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