Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to bring another issue to light. The Minister mentioned training in the first part of her response. I am still receiving allegations of production companies crewing their staff with a massive number of trainees to try to keep down their crew costs. That is a difficulty that is happening in some elements of the industry. One of the recommendations in our report related to the disconnect between craft grades and the Irish Film Board. I mentioned to the Minister previously that someone from the craft grades should be nominated as a member of the Irish Film Board to ensure there would be proper communications between all elements of the industry here.

Last March and again in July, I mentioned to the Minister the idea that a film forum would be set up as part of Screen Ireland. I do not believe that has happened yet, and I ask the Minister to push for that as well.

Also, the precarious nature of workers within the sector is a grievance. The Minister mentioned there would be an examination of that element. I urge her to ensure that work within the sector is not precarious because, when it is precarious, serious problems such as the exploitation of workers can arise. Given we are funding the sector so much, there should be zero tolerance of any exploitation.

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