Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

The screen education-training forum is important and is long overdue because there is still no proper structure for training and progression for trainees. However, the industry forum is critical. This was recommended by the all-party Oireachtas committee and we need to know it is going to happen. As the Minister knows, there are very serious issues that need to be resolved in the interests of everybody in the industry, so we need that forum to happen. I am sure the Minister is aware there is a lot of controversy around this. The position of the Government has to be absolutely clear that all stakeholders, whether representatives of workers, producers or otherwise - namely, all those who work in the industry - need to be represented to address whether workers' rights are being fully vindicated in the industry, whether section 481 and public investment in the film industry are being properly policed, what benefit we are getting in terms of employment and, in particular, the requirement for quality employment and training in the industry. I am seeking assurances that the Minister will ensure that this forum happens and soon.

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