Ms Susan Kirby:

We also advocated, as part of our pre-budget submission, for the retention of the regional uplift at a minimum of 5%. The intent of the scheme was so important that it was probably too short and, obviously, it was badly impacted by the fact that Covid emerged in the middle of it. The full aspirations of the scheme were probably not reached and it is our contention it should be extended at the higher level. Realistically, it is a declining base from 5% and the costs everyone is aware of, which Mr. Holohan mentioned, are very real.

While we represent the indigenous industry, we are cognisant that a vibrant indigenous industry is also represented in the regions. We represent more than 170 members and they are not all Dublin based. Ours is an all-island membership. The regional uplift is critical to the development of that regional base. One group I would like to speak to is na baill atá ag cruthú i nGaeilge. We represent Irish language producers as well. We have all referenced the films of the year, “An Cailín Ciúin”, “Arracht” and “Róise & Frank”. It is such a vibrant, rich part of our achieving the cultural aims of section 481 and the ability to support that work in the regions.

Tying those two things together, the aspirations were fantastic but an entire ecosystem probably cannot be developed in five years with a declining base of percentage, so we should revisit that. Is there an opportunity for Ireland Inc. to support unique aspects of our culture, namely, our Irish language and our Irish regional identity.