Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appointed Mr. Flood in May last year as mediator on industrial relations within the Irish film production sector, with a remit to make contact with representative parties in the film and audiovisual industry with a view to identifying outstanding industrial relations issues and establishing a basis for agreement thereon. The appointment of Mr. Flood arose from a recommendation in the Creative Capital report to convene industry-wide industrial relations consultation in order to expedite fair, flexible, transparent and internationally competitive labour agreements across the audiovisual industry. Since his appointment, there have been several meetings between Mr. Flood, trades union representatives and representatives of the employers in the sector. I have also met Mr. Flood on a number of occasions and he has kept me apprised of developments and progress.

It is Mr. Flood's opinion, and it is one that I share, that there should be no report emanating from these discussions, as they are organic and ongoing. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that where there is a mediation process, it is normal that it remains confidential between the parties involved. Such confidentiality is necessary and indeed is usually a prerequisite to any hope of success in the difficult process of mediation. The public manifestation of Mr. Flood's work is the ongoing industrial peace in the sector.

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