Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I have no difficulty agreeing with the Deputy. It is extraordinary that the chap who has been nominated for an Oscar was nurtured and his skills incubated in Ballyfermot. This shows that the sector has the ability to reach across all sections of society and that enormous talent is available. We must, however, find pathways for people to access the necessary training and education skills. I have been discussing this matter with the Department of Education and Science and will continue to do so.

The audiovisual sector is worth more than €500 million per annum and employs 6,500 people. Although these figures only scratch the surface of the industry's capacity, they show what we have achieved within a short period. Of the 6,500 people working in the industry, approximately 85% of them are employed in the independent sector, while the remaining 15% are employed in broadcasting. This is the correct split and indicates that the sector is not confined to the State apparatus, as it were. I was also surprised to learn that 567 companies operate in the sector. If, however, we are to take the industry to the next level, we must up our game in all areas. That is the challenge facing audiovisual policy.

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