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

Recent changes to section 481 address bullying and other such issues. From 28 March, all applicants for section 481 funding, including producer companies and the qualifying companies, are required to sign an undertaking that they have in place written policies and procedures on grievances, discipline and dignity at work, which includes harassment, bullying and equal opportunity. That means employers now have an obligation to provide workers on their productions with a workplace that is free of harassment, bullying and intimidation. The obligation includes ensuring that workers are not harassed, bullied or intimidated by other workers. If the producer companies or the qualifying companies cannot provide workers with a proper workplace environment they will not be able to obtain section 481 tax relief.

We discussed the film forum at length on the previous occasion. It is something I am concerned about. I have instructed my officials to examine a way of mediating this dispute. I know that issues arose from the presentation in the audiovisual room, even among the people in the room itself. There is evidently a deep difference in the views and feelings of those involved. If we seek to try to deliberate on an alternative route, we may be able to work something out.

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