Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I accept it is a work in progress but it would be important to include that area as it is a critical one in terms of equality because there is a gross inequality in that, as I think Mr. Kinnane will be aware and it has been widely discussed.

Another aspect I would note in passing, which is more a matter for the committee to follow up on, is the number of lower-income households who have been provided with energy efficiency upgrades in the equality section. Overall, the numbers indicate we are not meeting the targets. However, it is useful information. These reports are brilliant in that sense but we are massively underperforming in meeting the targets. One might argue the targets are pretty modest in and of themselves and it is useful information to have but we are doing about 50% or 60% of what is targeted in terms of energy efficiency upgrades, particularly for those who need support with respect to the warmer homes scheme and so on.

When metrics are set, who decides on them as to what is a good metric? I am interested in the metrics for the film industry. The metrics in terms of expenditure in that area are the number of feature films funded and the number of participants in training and development. Who came up with them? I frankly think they mask serious problems in that area. The number of feature films produced does not tell us everything we need to know about the development of our film industry. The number of people participating in courses does not tell us how many people are becoming qualified because in my view the answer to that question is none. There is not a proper training and accreditation qualification regime in the area of film despite much money being allocated to it. I am wondering who decides on the metric. On the face of it, one would think that looks good but on digging a little below the surface I would argue it is not so good. One element that sector should be asked about is its employees and people having some security in employment. Who decides on the metrics?