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

The Deputy has my assurance in that regard. I would be open to any suggestions he has on resolving the inter-union disputes in regard to the industry forum. It is the unions which are not talking to each other. My Department is working very closely with others to try to get this up and running but, unfortunately, there are inter-union issues, which were highlighted by the transmission of the "Prime Time" programme, which focused on bullying and harassment in the film and television industry. As a result of that, implementation is proving very challenging.

At a meeting I had on 17 October with Screen Ireland, it discussed proposals for the holding of this forum and for the appointment of an independent chair. Following the meeting, Screen Ireland has made significant progress, having prepared draft terms of reference for the forum and circulating them to my Department, with proposals for the independent chair as well as the proposed speakers at the forum, and with reference to Screen Producers Ireland. Unfortunately, there has been a great deal of difficulty because of that. Screen Ireland issued a press release condemning harassment in the workplace. It is important to note that employees in every industry and sector are entitled to all existing legal protections. The Deputy may be aware that Kieran Mulvey has been appointed as mediator and has been trying to get everybody involved in this forum.

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