Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 309:

In page 131, line 38, to delete “may” and substitute “shall, as soon as practicable after the establishment day”.

These amendments are fairly straightforward.

Amendment No. 309 states, "In page 131, line 38, to delete "may" and substitute "shall, as soon as practicable after the establishment day"." That is to ensure that the content levy is definitely introduced and that its introduction is swift.

Amendment No. 310 seeks "to delete 'media service providers' and substitute 'producers of European Works'". The concern is that the current wording of the Bill has the unintended consequence of excluding independent producers entirely from receiving funding from the proceeds of the levy. This is a unique opportunity to build a strong indigenous, independent production sector with secured rights ownership. It is vital that that opportunity is not lost arising from the way the legislation is drafted.

Amendment No. 311 states:

In page 133, to delete lines 13 to 15 and substitute the following: “(2) The kinds of support for which funds may be granted or loaned under a scheme shall support the development and production of such of the following or such classes or descriptions of any of the following as the scheme may specify:”.

Amendment No. 312 states:

In page 133, line 16, after “programmes” to insert the following: “, including feature films, animation, drama and documentaries supporting the work of Irish creative talent, and”.

Amendment No. 313 states:

In page 133, to delete lines 18 and 19 and substitute the following: “(ii) the storytelling experiences of the people of the island of Ireland including the experiences of people of Irish ancestry living abroad,”.

We are looking to clarify the funding that is dedicated to the development and production of audiovisual programmes, whether feature films, animation, drama or documentaries. Those categories should be specifically referred to because they are specifically referred to in the provisions for the BAI sound and vision fund and the Broadcasting Act 2009. The reason for the inclusion of the words "supporting the work of Irish creative talent" is that that is one of the four public service aims of the media as defined in the terms of reference of the Future of Media Commission and accepted by the commission in its report.

Amendment No. 314 relates to the funding of independent production companies and the amount that will be forthcoming.