Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Between 2011 and 2013, Screen Ireland regularly organised meetings, called consultation committee meetings, which included stakeholders in the film industry. They were convened in the context of a production downturn, and attendees included trade unions and Screen Producers Ireland and, in some instances, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and RTE. These meetings referred to an industry forum. They ceased when production activity picked up.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht met five organisations in January and February of this year. These organisations included Screen Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, SIPTU, the IFWA and the GMB union. SIPTU disputed in writing some of the evidence given to the committee by GMB and the IFWA. It is clear that there is an inter-union rivalry on some issues. Nonetheless there are good reasons for holding an industry forum, as called for in the July report on developments and working conditions in the Irish film industry as published. There is validity in that. There is a willingness to put this in place and the Department has been in discussions with Screen Ireland in this regard. Consideration has been given to the most appropriate mechanism to convene a forum and a possible role for an independent chair. The matter will be discussed at a meeting planned with Screen Ireland on 27 October.

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