Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Boyd Barrett for facilitating the meeting earlier on in the audiovisual room which I attended. It was an opportunity to hear the issues. At times it was a difficult meeting, and at times it was acrimonious, because allegations were made by individuals against others. The point was made that it is not our role to act as adjudicators on such issues when there are resolution mechanisms available. It is surprising those mechanisms have not been used already.

It is obvious that there are deeply held views on both sides. Both sides brought passion to the meeting, as well as showing their commitment to develop the film industry. It is vital that a process is found to address those issues and find a resolution because it can be resolved.

Issues came out at the meeting about the application of employment legislation. Is it being adhered to and, if not, what are the consequences regarding government funding to the industry? Abbotstown was mentioned as an example. The new guidelines from the Department of Finance regarding accountability were raised. There was a discrepancy about statistics and the numbers employed in the industry. Questions were asked about the formation and role of the guilds, along with training, certification, fixed-term workers, the quality of the employment and protection workers. Questions were also asked about when issues of health and safety are raised, pension rights, the role of those labour relations mechanisms and the role of the unions. There is more than one union involved which brings up a person's right to join a union of their choice. There is also the right to peaceful protest and, therefore, a viable complaints procedure.

An issue was also raised about those from the film industry who gave testimony at the Oireachtas committee some time ago and the way in which they are treated now. On the allegations of bullying, blacklisting and blackballing, there must be process in which those issues can be addressed. Maybe these are matters for the Garda.

It is accurate to say that in Ireland we are very proud of the film industry and the work that has been produced over many years. We know the extent of the work and the great variety of skills that go into film-making. Sometimes we are prone to consider only the actors, directors and camera people but there is so much more involved. It was good to hear this morning from representatives of people with those different skills that go in to making a film. That skills basis is vital for attracting productions to locate here. There is also increased demand for screen content worldwide; I only have to mention Netflix. That is why it was disturbing to hear of the acrimony between the two groups working in the industry. Deputy Boyd Barrett’s used the words "raging dispute" in terms of what we saw this morning, yet pillar 4 of the Creative Ireland programme aims to make Ireland a centre of excellence for media production.

I acknowledge the correspondence from Screen Producers Ireland, the work it has been doing and the work on the self-assessment model. It also mentioned producers’ obligations with respect to employment legislation and skills development. Its correspondence referred to a collective agreement and the work it is doing. What it is saying, in a sense, is that nearly everybody is saying the same thing with respect to the needs in the industry. There is so much common ground and interest in the film industry it beggars belief that there is acrimony.

The forum has been recommended but it is taking too long. Like my colleague, I do not agree with the Minister when she said it is not possible to have a collaborative approach now. I believe it is possible. Everybody at the meeting in the AV room this morning said they were willing to take part in a forum. It will be challenging for the forum but there is a willingness to engage. It will need a skilled chairperson or negotiator. There is probably a need for separate negotiations initially and then for the different sides to come together. It is terrible to use the word "sides" but this issue has to be resolved in the end and all of us have to be on that one side, which is for the betterment of the industry and for all those who work in it.

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