Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)

I welcome this Bill, which seeks to allow much-needed additional funding to be provided to Screen Ireland for the development of Irish film in the years to come. I hope this Bill is the first step towards significant funding allocations to our film industry and I look forward to future debates around investing in Irish film. Given that this Bill will allow up to an additional €340 million to be invested by the State over the years into Screen Ireland, it would be wise for the Minister to conduct a review of the effect of Screen Ireland funding and supportive tax measures on increased economic activity in the film sector. This review should assess the working conditions and employer-employee relations in the sector and the impact of such measures on the delivery of sustainable quality employment and training for Irish workers to ensure that our film industry is both offering good jobs to workers and using its State funding efficiently.

There are numerous issues holding the Irish film industry back. Sinn Féin has developed a comprehensive arts policy to address these shortcomings and enable the success of Irish film makers and artists. We called for the benefits of section 481 tax relief to reach creators and performers; for a long-term replacement for the regional uplift and strategic planning to grow the sector sustainably; for quality education and training; for funding allowed under the EU’s audiovisual media services directive, such as the streaming levy, to be delivered; and for an end to the geoblocking and partitionism of our audiovisual sector. To this effect, Sinn Féin has tabled a number of legislative measures in the Dáil designed to support workers in the arts industry and to help our cultural scene to flourish. I would urge the Minister of State to support the legislation and engage with stakeholders.

As we vote to allow additional funding for Screen Ireland, we should examine what role the State could play in fostering our arts and culture and be ambitious in our approach to supporting our film-making industry and investing in the arts in communities across the country.