Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is great to see him back and I hope he is recovering well. Best of luck to him. It is important to point out that the aggregate relates to the amount of money expended since 1980, a 45-year term. It is not that we are hoping to spend this money into the future; it is an aggregate. It is an issue that comes up with a lot of State agencies. It is clunky that they have to keep coming back to the Minister of the day to amend legislation. In this case, it is the Irish Film Board Act 1980. I agree with Deputy Ó Snodaigh and I have plans to bring forward a Screen Ireland Bill at some stage in 2026 to take account of the fact that Screen Ireland bears no relation to what the Irish Film Board was like in 1980. Ireland is a totally different place now. Touching on what Deputy Ó Murchú said with regard to gaming, I will also include in the Bill specific references to gaming and animation.

The references the Deputies made to section 481 are matters for the Minister for Finance. Notwithstanding that, concerning the issues raised regarding the terms and conditions of employees, the industrial relations machinery of the State, whether it is the WRC or the Labour Court, does not discriminate on the basis of where a person comes from. Those avenues are available to people.

I want to be very clear. I have a very good relationship with Screen Producers Ireland and I know it will be watching this debate. If there have been issues raised, and I know these are firmly held views both Deputy Ó Snodaigh and Deputy Boyd Barrett have because I would have dealt with them previously on these issues and I do not for one minute discount them, but I know Screen Producers Ireland will take them into consideration. I will draw them to its attention when I meet it next. Organisations representing performers, writers, directors and composers have agreed with producers and published industry interim guidelines for producers, authors and performers in the Irish screen industry. These guidelines cover fair remuneration for them. That is important to put on the record.

Both amendments were ruled out of order. A lot of latitude has been provided. I do not propose to speak to the amendments other than to say it is my intention to bring a Bill before the House in 2026. This Bill before us is a technical and specific Bill around the aggregate amount of money. I will also be before the committee after Christmas. Deputy Ó Snodaigh and others know I am of a mind, when members of the Opposition bring up issues, to take them on board. I have routinely done that and will again in the future. I look forward to working with the committee after Christmas on that Bill and on the general issue with regard to Screen Ireland and the production of film in Ireland.

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