Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter. The budget contained a lot of good news for film and television production, such as the extension of section 481, which provides certainty to the sector. It is welcome that an additional €7.3 million is being allocated to TG4. Slightly separate but equally important is the establishment of the new media fund, which is welcome.

As the Minister of State will be aware, the film, television, animation and content creation sector continues to boom. The Government has in place an audiovisual action plan that was adopted in June 2018. The report of the Future of Media Commission sets out several objectives in respect of where media and content creation in Ireland will go. The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill, which will soon be passed by these Houses, will result in the establishment of a new media commission. As part of that, there will be a content levy fund to help with production. All of that is positive but we need to look at the longer-term strategy. How can we ensure that Ireland becomes a global hub for content creation, attracting international film and television production, but also look at how we can support culturally significant Irish production?

There is a lot of good news in the creation of new studio space. For instance, there is the development of Hammerlake Studios in Mullingar. More recently, An Bord Pleanála approved planning permission for Tara Studios, just north of Gorey, on my home turf, which will be the largest film and television production studio in the country. In a short time the amount of studio space in Ireland will almost quadruple. We have excellent independent production firms based here but there is also strong interest from streaming companies and other international production companies in coming here. We have all the right conditions.

It is important that we get clarity in respect of where responsibility lies between the new media commission and Screen Ireland with regard to film development and promotion, and also whether there is a role for the Arts Council. In the context of the review of section 481, it is concerning that the Department of Finance always regards it as almost cost-neutral. We need to look at those figures again because there is a genuine benefit to the economy from having international film production based here. It is not just the money that brings into local economies where the films are being shot and what is generated here domestically, it also relates to tourism and the image of Ireland that is projected internationally.

We are extremely lucky. At the moment, "Vikings: Valhalla" is being shot at Ashford Studios, while we culturally significant and beautiful films such as "An Cailín Ciúin" have been produced. This is a real boom time for the Irish content creation industry but we need to look at where we are going in the next decade. By the way, content creation is not confined to film, television and animation. We need to consider how we will provide content for the metaverse and to support some of those new technologies. Although the audiovisual action plan is in place, we need far more clarity in respect of which agencies are going to lead on specific issues, particularly given the creation of new agencies.In addition, at Government level, while I know there are efforts being made to do this, we should set out very clearly what our objects are over the next decade.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's commitment to supporting artists and creative people has undergone rapid and immense transformation in recent years due to equally monumental challenges faced by the creative communities. Culture and creativity are and will remain at the heart of Government policy, but our continuing priority is to ensure this creativity is allowed to thrive with the necessary supports.

The audiovisual action plan was launched in June 2018. This is an industry-wide, long-term plan under the Creative Ireland programme, developed to support the Government's ambition to enable Ireland to become, as the Senator wants, a global hub for the production of film, TV drama and animation. The tax incentive for the screen industries the Senator mentioned, section 481, has been a cornerstone of the Irish screen industry since its implementation in various forms in 1987. Its legacy speaks for itself in the creative and cultural value it has generated, both in terms of discovering and supporting new Irish voices, as well as showcasing Ireland's power as an international partner and a cultural force across film, television and animation, not to mention a breath-taking location offering historical and natural beauty. As the Senator will be aware, the Minister for Finance announced the extension to section 481 beyond the current end date of 2024, until December 2028, which gives certainty to the sector.

The economic value of section 481 is also important in what it brings to our industry in terms of infrastructure, upskilling and further training for crew. It cannot be underestimated in this endeavour. I heard what the Senator said but research has shown that 87% of mobile productions confirmed that they would have not located their production in Ireland without the support of this incentive.

The pilot basic income for the arts scheme was introduced in September for 2,000 artists. Some 204 of these are recorded as working in film, which is the third largest category after visual artists and musicians.

The Department recognises the enormous success of the Irish screen industry to date and the economic and cultural power that this sector produces both at home and abroad. The Department has been proud to support Screen Ireland throughout and, in particular, to provide further supports in the budget.

My colleague, the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, was delighted to showcase and promote the Irish screen industry during a recent trade mission to Los Angeles. One of the main reasons we have a consulate in Los Angeles is that the film industry, and the creatives and investors connected with it, are located in the area. The purpose of the meeting was to build on those international partnerships by updating key industry partners on the continued evolution and success of the sector in Ireland. The Minister was able to emphasise and continue the ongoing Government support for the Irish screen industry.

Last year was a record year for screen production in Ireland. This is extraordinary post Covid and demonstrates resilience and innovation in the industry in Ireland. The €500 million spend in 2021 on jobs and local goods and services was the highest ever achieved.

In film, the Cine4 scheme has produced incredible feature film work in the Irish language, from the sweet and heartwarming recent release "Róise & Frank" to, as the Senator mentioned, an scannán álainn "An Cailín Ciúin", a cuireadh le chéile agus a taifeadadh i mo Dháilcheantar féin. That is obviously a box office record-breaking milestone for Irish-language cinema. It has been remarked upon in incredible reviews the world over. The growth of local Irish TV drama has almost tripled in production spend since Screen Ireland began to support the sector with development funding in 2015.

The Minister and the Government remain committed to supporting the Irish screen industry and continue to engage with Screen Ireland and stakeholders on issues important to the sector.

I thank Senator Malcolm Byrne and the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sports and Media on the recent launch of the report, A Safe and Respectful Working Environment in the Arts. It was highly appreciated. Well done to all involved.

Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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I am glad to hear of that strong commitment. Obviously, I tabled this Commencement matter in advance of yesterday’s budget. The section 481 extension and the certainty that provides are very welcome.

We need a little clarity with regard to the role of the new coimisiún na meán or media commission, particularly with regard to its management of some of the new audiovisual funds such as the new media fund being funded from the content levy, as well as its relationship with Screen Ireland.

The role of promoting Ireland, as the Minister of State said, in Los Angeles, is very important for the consulate and we need to look at ways in which we can continue to resource that to be able to attract international industry here. In the review, perhaps the Department of Finance underestimates the potential benefit of section 481. However, I am glad the research recognised that without section 481, we would not have the current levels of film production based in this country. I am heartened to hear about the existing production. The audiovisual strategy and reports from the Future of Media Commission will have to inform that debate. The fact that the Government is clearly committed to film, television and animation production is very welcome.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister, Deputy Martin, for prioritising this. I am also proud to be in a Fianna Fáil Government coalition because we have provided historic support for the arts over many decades. I am glad that continues in coalition with Fine Gael and the Green Party, in particular. Historic levels of funding are being provided by the Department. It recognises how united the screen industry proved to be by pulling together and working towards a common goal. The screen industry in Ireland provides a tangible economic benefit to our country through jobs, skills development, regional development and production spend on local goods and services.

There is an even more essential cultural value in supporting Irish creative talent, telling Irish stories on screen and connecting with audiences at home and around the world. In uncertain times, we turn to the artist as a guide. Artists provide us with shared experiences that remind us all of the importance of identity, community and belonging through the stories they tell. Times come and go, people come and go and the economy goes up and down but the things created - art, poems, movies and books - stay and offer all of us lessons in times of difficulty.

We will continue to engage with key stakeholders and professionals to understand the challenges in the sector. The Government is absolutely committed to the sector and aware of its importance, not only in terms of jobs and the economy but also because of the intangible benefits the arts provide to society through creativity, writing, composing, directing and producing.