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

What I have heard from the actors whom I have met is that when they have to engage with the social protection system for a particular payment, the questions they are asked bear no reality to the facts of the kind of work they do and the precarious nature of the work.

Going back to the other aspect of this question, the debate we had before the recess followed a briefing in the audiovisual room from those who have been working in the film industry. The issues were protection for workers and health and safety complaints procedures, among others. The reality of what we heard that day was compelling, including passionate stories from people who have been working in the industry for many years. They say that they have been blacklisted because of issues they raised and they have not been able to secure work. Everybody in the audiovisual room agreed with the need to engage in some type of forum, yet when the Minister made her speech on this, she said that she felt it was not possible to have a collaborative approach now. The current situation is intolerable for many of those who have been working in the industry for a long time. They are now out of work and their skill set is being lost. Will the Minister consider supporting a forum?

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