Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the Estonian ambassador to the Chamber this morning in recognition of its national day. I spent some time in Talinn a number of years ago and it is a beautiful city and part of the world. I concur absolutely with the comments of my colleagues and the Leader on what is currently is happening in Ukraine. We all study or read about history and we learned about the assassination of the archduke and the invasion of Poland, along with other events. This war is starting in Europe before our eyes and we are getting updates on social media. It is not just a small invasion and it is now a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is quite clear that Mr. Putin and some of his allies do not believe in diplomacy and strung along discussions or talks while making plans for an invasion. Up to very recently they were denying there were any plans for an invasion but it was to be expected that there would be a full-scale invasion. Our thoughts and payers go out to all innocent people who will be caught up in the conflict, which will have an impact both in terms of loss of life and across the region and in other countries neighbouring Ukraine and which may be fearful for their sovereignty and their people's lives at the hands of a dictator.

Déanaim comhghairdeas le gach duine a bhí páirteach sa scannán "An Cailín Ciúin", funded by Screen Ireland, TG4 and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. The film, "An Cailín Ciúin", recently won awards in Berlin at its international film festival and is proof of the talent that follows opportunities in the region. Atlantic Academy is a new training hub in Galway and it encourages the growth and development of film and television industry in the west. We have a proud tradition in this over the years and TG4 and the excellent work it does is testament to that. That an Irish language film has gained international awards is testament to that energy, innovation, determination and work ethic. We can do more.

I welcome the fact that Screen Ireland is supporting a number of training and development initiatives, including Atlantic Academy. As the chief executive of TG4, Mr. Alan Esslemont, has said, there is basically a regional imbalance now with infrastructure like this outside of Dublin and with the Irish language. This will create a stronger pipeline of film and television professionals with Irish language skills. There is a real shortage of people skilled in the area who are required to meet existing demand and a new course will be run by TG4 in the area of camera lighting, sound editing and other skills. It is certainly welcome because the talent is there and we need to nurture and grow it. I see the potential for Irish language and English language films based in Ireland. It is a very important industry.