Nessa Cosgrove (Labour)

I also welcome the opportunity to speak on this today. The success of the Irish film industry over recent decades is something we in the Labour Party are very proud of. It was mentioned earlier how our very own Michael D. Higgins was the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht who re-established the Irish Film Board in 1993 and had the foresight and vision to put in place the building blocks of our successful film industry with tax incentives, training initiatives and other measures. Those State supports at the time played a vital role in establishing Ireland as a leading international filming destination. That Labour vision transformed the Irish film industry and it is a very proud legacy of our party.

We welcome this short Bill, which raises the limit on the supports that may be provided by Screen Ireland to productions. Other Senators have spoken about increased investment through Screen Ireland to ensure the continued production of high-quality indigenous films mar an scannán iontach “An Cailín Ciúin” agus “Kneecap” freisin. Táimid all an-bhródúil as an dá scannán seo. There are TV shows and documentaries, too. As one of my colleagues said, we punch way above our weight in directors, actors and producers within the film sector and long may that last. If this Bill were to be delayed, it is likely that the vital funding provided by Screen Ireland would also be delayed. That is why we are very happy to support this.

However, we must also take the opportunity to recognise where our domestic film production landscape might be improved. I hope the Minister of State will take that on board today. Section 481 tax relief has been a vital pillar of our internationally successful film industry but it should be further reviewed to make sure it is internationally competitive. With far too many musicians struggling amid the rising of streaming, it is time to ask if a section 481 or similar support might be extended to musicians. We should also be clear that our film industry must be a place that offers secure and safe employment for our talented creators and that those of all ages involved in the creative industry are attracted into the sector. Too often, this has been an industry where unfair work practices have seen workers exploited or made feel unsafe. We must bring the pay and terms and conditions of performers and crew up to the standards that are in place in our peer countries. We could make availing of section 481 tax relief conditional on offering quality employment and workers rights should be upheld. That should be one of the conditions. We in the Labour Party have repeatedly called for this and I hope the Minister of State will take it on board and commit to ensuring this. The State could take a stronger role in ensuring good work practices.

While I am standing up, I want to give a shout-out to some of the wonderful film festivals in my area. There is a wonderful film festival, Adaptation, in Manorhamilton in Leitrim and also a new film festival that just started in Strandhill. Long may they last.