Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In recent years, the film industry and the film production sector has expanded in a positive way. This is as a result of a number of big-budget TV dramas produced in Ireland which started with "The Tudors" more than a decade ago. As a result, Ireland is the 17th most popular location in the world for filming TV shows and movies, according to a recent study. Considering the size and scale of Ireland by comparison with the countries ranked higher than Ireland, this is something of which we can be proud.

The report seeks to examine some of the issues which have arisen alongside this request, including concerns regarding section 481 relief, the conditions of workers and the precarious nature of employment within the sector. It is welcome that since this report has been published, changes have been made to section 481 to encourage the development of skills in the sector and to support better recognition and formalisation of training within the industry.

That said, a number of issues have arisen in respect of section 481 relief in the past few months. Despite the Government’s claim to be supporting the industry, it is extremely disappointing the film industry is being put under considerable pressure in recent months as a result of delays in the introduction of new regulations for section 481 relief. These changes were well flagged months in advance and yet it is at least ten months since Revenue started working on this issue before draft guidelines were provided. Fianna Fáil welcomes the progress made in recent weeks but believes that the process should not be repeated. We would welcome clarification by the Minister on the indicative timeline for the completion of guidelines.

Other outstanding issues, including the regional uplift, have not been addressed either. The Ministers for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Finance must clarify the position with regard to the regional uplift elements announced last year. Five months into 2019, they are still not available to the sector. It is unfair on the sector to announce supports which are then not made available within the specified timeframe. The regional uplift is on a temporary basis and simply not available at this point in time. The Minister should provide a clear timeline for when the regional uplift element will be available. It is somewhat ironic that an incentive to encourage the development of the industry risked causing damage by the delay. The film industry has achieved international regard and competes on the same level as production companies in Los Angeles or London. This cannot be allowed to continue any further. The sector has made great strides in recent years and the Government must strive to ensure this continues. While progress has been made in recent weeks, more is needed before the Government delivers on its announcements in that regard.

The report examined terms and conditions and the precarious nature of work in the sector but, unfortunately, it appears that some of the issues raised at committee hearings have not been progressed much further. When this report was completed, the committee called on the unions and the representative organisations to work together towards a mutually beneficial and respectful understanding. It was clear at a briefing in the AV room earlier that significant, focused work will be required.

I compliment Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett on organising that meeting. The Minister has heard from Deputies across the House that there are entrenched and polarised views on the way workers are treated in the industry. Those in various sectors, whether it be in carpentry, costume or make up, have valued skill sets and are artistic in their own right but there is a sense that their work is not valued and that there is an avoidance almost of respect and due regard for the workforce. As my colleagues said, we heard personal accounts of people who have been in the industry for some time but they have not reaped any rewards for their length of service or dedication to their work. We also heard from the guilds today whose representatives made the case that they are working and striving towards making provision to address some of the issues that were raised at committee meetings, whether it be training or providing the support mechanisms that should be in place for this particular sector, but I agree with my colleagues that there is a need for some intervention through a mediator and a facilitator to find common ground and ensure there is due regard and respect for the workers involved.

I disagree with the Minister's comments that the forum is not the place to provide for that. Anywhere that common ground can be found is of major importance. Nothing can be resolved without conversation and round-table discussion. I encourage the Minister in any way she can to try to fulfil what is required by allowing those voices to be heard and having due regard to the workers within that industry without crippling those who are trying to keep these projects up and running. While there has been major investment, anybody who has come from an arts background knows that way that funding is allocated, and projects and films are no different in that they are financed from project to project, which can be difficult. We must be mindful of both sides of the argument. I ask the Minister in her work, deliberations and any input she can make to ensure that both voices are heard and that an amicable agreement can be found. There is a lot of work to be done to ensure there is respect for people's work and service and the industry is not impacted negatively because of the conflict that prevails.

I have no doubt Deputy Boyd Barrett will put it in a more aggressive way than I can but aggression can only get us so far. We must find an amicable way of resolving these issues, hear both sides and find the middle ground in order to move forward and allow the industry to flourish.

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