Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Section 481 is vital in continuing to have a film industry which can expand, have quality productions and continue to attract national and international talent. It is one of the key sectors of any modern economy. It has been the mechanism by which many different cities and areas around the world have had significant revivals because a vibrant film and television industry has been established. Production and television companies such as Netflix and Amazon invest significant amounts worldwide nowadays.

Ireland, with a proper plan for this area, would be well placed. That is particularly the case with the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. Ireland will have the chance to gain significant investment. To some extent what has happened is that Ireland was a forerunner with section 481. There are now competitive offers from other countries seeking to expand in this area of the entertainment business and all of the employment that goes with it. There is an ongoing need to ensure that if practices develop, which are an abuse of the tax relief, that they should be addressed and eliminated as quickly as possible.

A comparative study should be conducted quickly because I watched some, though not all, of a recent "Prime Time" report on this industry.

Some of the stories were deeply concerning and worrying. Reference has been made to court cases and various conflicts within the industry. This is a key modern industry and if there are issues and problems, there must be a way of hearing the different parties and establishing fair rules to protect good employment and address the rights of employees, including the self-employed.

One issue relating to programmes is that many relate to a particular contracted period. There are significant numbers of film and television production courses in almost all colleges. There is a problem regarding where the graduates can secure good employment. There is immense competition for the employment and experience that is available. These issues can be addressed and the industry should unilaterally adopt standards indicating, for example, that a living wage is the baseline condition of employment or contracting within it. Many people in the industry earn multiples of that - much more than anybody here would ever earn - but, at the same time, there is a significant number of film schools and courses in the State. I am concerned that people graduating from these courses may find it difficult to gain employment here. Many people want to go abroad to gain international experience and that is the nature of the industry. Rather like the financial services industry, this industry is globalised. Nevertheless, Ireland has specific attractions and we have built up expertise in different areas. It is important that the tax relief continues.

This should happen while keeping a keen eye on ensuring first-class productions and output. We have had many examples of that and those who follow film festivals around the world know we have come out with productions that merited awards for individuals involved in the processes, including on the acting and production sides. These people have won many awards and brought much lustre to this country. I am also conscious of the fact that the spin-off from the industry is significant, and it includes "Game of Thrones", "Vikings" and similar productions. It is a significant addition to an area looking to be a visitor destination it has an active and vibrant cultural presence. That includes the film industry.

If the Minister is minded to consider a study, which is a good idea, the focus should be a little broader than just section 481. Educational issues must be examined, particularly as it pertains to third level education. We must consider how programmes in other European Union countries can be linked with schools and courses in this country. We need to consider how we also provide a social and community dividend from the interest that could be generated in areas by film production and a well-known film or series being made in an area.

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