Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)

I congratulate the Minister of State on her uplift to higher office. I welcome this Bill. I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on it and more broadly in support of the arts, one of the most powerful forces shaping our culture, society and reputation around the world. The success of the Irish film industry is something we in the Labour Party are very proud of. It was Michael D. Higgins, as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, who established the Irish Film Board way back in 1993. He had the foresight and vision to put in place the building blocks of what has become a really remarkable Irish success story, with tax incentives, training initiatives and direct supports that laid the foundations for a thriving, world-renowned screen sector. These State supports were transformative. They turned Ireland into a leading international filming destination attracting major productions from "Saving Private Ryan" to "Braveheart" while nurturing our own creative talent and storytelling traditions. Most recently, the Netflix series "Wednesday" was filmed in various locations around Ireland.

We are proud that our Labour Party vision helped to reshape Irish film and remains something we are very proud of. For that reason I welcome this Bill, which raises the cap on the supports that may be provided by Screen Ireland. Increased investment is essential to ensure high-quality indigenous productions continue to thrive. We want to see more extraordinary films like "An Cailín Ciúin" and "Kneecap", works that captured global attention and showcased the artistic brilliance emerging from Ireland. It is not only film; we have become a powerhouse across television, documentary, animation and games. Irish directors, writers, actors and craftspeople consistently punch far above their weight for our small but mighty country - long may that continue. Most recently, "The Traitors" was a huge success. It even prompted a Labour Party WhatsApp group to keep everyone informed. If this Bill were to be delayed, the essential funding pipeline for upcoming productions would also be delayed. That would put unnecessary pressure on producers, on employment and on Ireland's international reputation as a reliable partner for production so we are very pleased to support the legislation. At the same time, it is important that we use this moment to reflect honestly on where our domestic screen landscape can and must improve.

Section 481, the backbone of our internationally competitive film industry, has served Ireland well. The industry is changing rapidly across the world, however, and we need to ensure our tax relief remains fully competitive, agile and strategically aligned with the future needs of the sector. We should ask at this stage whether similar models of support should be extended to musicians. Far too many artists and performers are struggling in an era dominated by global streaming platforms where revenue models have shifted dramatically. If a version of section 481 could help to support film, why should we not consider whether it could also help to sustain Ireland's extraordinary music talent? Films and music go hand in hand as most films have a soundtrack that can often do just as well if not better than the film itself.

Above all, we must insist that our film and creative industries, which are built on imagination, innovation and collaboration, are places where workers are treated fairly, safely and with respect. Too often, we have heard stories of unfair work practices and of people, particularly younger people and women, being made to feel unsafe or exploited. If public money is supporting production, public values should underpin the conditions of that support. The Labour Party has long argued that access to section 481 relief should be conditional on offering secure, safe, high-quality employment with terms and conditions equivalent to those in other leading film nations. Workers' rights must be upheld not as an aspiration but as a requirement. I urge the Minister of State to take that commitment seriously.

I want to highlight the vibrant ecosystem that surrounds filmmaking - the festivals, community cinemas and local arts organisations that create space for Irish talent to be celebrated. I make this speech today on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Robert O'Donoghue, who unfortunately cannot be here. He asked me to give his constituency of Dublin Fingal West a twist. It has remarkable film festivals that bring people together, showcase Irish and international work, support local creatives and foster the next generation of filmmakers. These events are part of the cultural fabric of our communities. They educate, inspire and connect us. Supporting the screen sector means supporting them too. Most recently in Dublin Fingal West, they had the beautiful film "Sunphlowers" set in Rush in conjunction with the local theatre, Millbank Theatre.

Let us remember the substance behind this Bill. Screen Ireland operates under the Department of culture and is tasked with supporting and encouraging the making of films, developing the industry and promoting Irish culture on screen. It participates in international collaborations, supports skills development across film, TV, animation and games and promotes inward investment. Under section 10 of the film board Act, Screen Ireland's total investment is capped. As of December 2023, €430 million of the €500 million limit had been reached. There were five previous increases to this cap, reflecting the sustained growth of the industry. Budget 2026 increased Screen Ireland's budget by €2.1 million, bringing it to almost €43 million, a 5% rise. Section 481 offers a tax credit of 32% for qualifying productions, capped at €70 million with requirements for cultural value, employment standards and skills development. These are not abstract policy measures; they are the engine of an industry that now produces acclaimed works such as "Small Things Like These", "The Wonder", "The Apprentice", "Normal People" and "An Cailín Ciúin" among many others.

The arts are not a luxury; they are a necessity. They shape who we are, how we see ourselves and how the world sees Ireland. They sustain jobs, drive regional development and help to build a society that values expression, diversity and creativity. By supporting this Bill, we are not simply adjusting a funding cap; we are reaffirming our commitment to Ireland's creative future, to our actors, musicians, screenwriters, designers, animators and cinematographers and to all those whose artistry enriches our lives. Let us ensure they have the funding, protections and respect they deserve. Let us keep building the conditions in which Irish creativity can thrive safely, fairly and proudly.

I would like to draw the Minister of State's attention to another pressing matter. While going slightly off topic, I want to address the sudden and deeply concerning closure of The Complex in Smithfield, a cultural and artistic space that has served as a vital hub for creativity, community and expression in our capital city. The abrupt nature of this closure is yet another stark reminder of how Dublin is steadily losing its cultural heartbeat. It is a consequence of unchecked commercial pressure, a lack of meaningful Government intervention and ongoing silence when it comes to the urgent need for nightlife and cultural space reform.

As the Labour Party has consistently highlighted, since 2000 more than 522 cultural and arts venues have closed nationwide. In Dublin today, we are left with only 23 late-night venues in operation.

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