Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for being with us today.

John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to introduce the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2025. This Bill was initiated in the Seanad on 14 November. I look forward to hearing the contributions of Senators here and I hope they will support this important Bill. Officials from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport are here with me today and are available to any Senator who wants to have a detailed briefing on the technical aspects of this legislation before us.

This is a short technical Bill. The Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2025 has one important objective, namely, to increase the statutory limit on the cumulative capital outlay, commitments and liabilities that can be advanced by Screen Ireland, formerly known as the Irish Film Board, from €500 million to €840 million. As is the case with some statutory bodies which receive public funding, a limit was set by statute on such outlays when the Irish Film Board Act 1980 was first enacted. This limit must be reviewed by the Houses of the Oireachtas every six to seven years. In this way, the Oireachtas can monitor cumulative capital funding to this statutory body each time the limit needs to be increased. Since the Irish Film Board Act 1980 was first enacted, the funding limit was adjusted upwards on six occasions. The most recent was the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Act 2018, which increased the limit to €500 million. It is now proposed, therefore, to increase this limit to €840 million to allow Screen Ireland to continue to operate within an appropriate statutory limit. When the total 2025 capital allocation is drawn down, it is expected that the limit of €500 million permitted within the current legislation will have been reached. The 2026 capital allocation would breach the statutory limit in the absence of new legislation. Accordingly, it is important to progress the process to update the legislation to increase this aggregate further.

The proposal to increase the limit on advances is an enabling provision. Funding of Screen Ireland is, of course, subject to the normal estimates procedures as set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The proposed legislation will not, therefore, mean any additional cost to the Exchequer as Screen Ireland’s annual allocation is set by the Oireachtas each year. Section 2 cites this Bill as the Irish Film Board (Amendment Bill) 2025, and together with the Irish Film Board Acts 1980 to 2018 will be cited as the Irish Film Board Acts 1980 to 2025.

Screen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish screen sectors, including feature film, TV drama, animation, creative documentary and gaming. Screen Ireland operates within the framework of the Irish Film Board Acts 1980 to 2018. Its statutory remit is to assist, encourage and develop the screen sectors across the State. Screen Ireland supports these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects. The allocation to Screen Ireland will be €42.96 million in 2026. This is an increase of €2.1 million, or 5.1% on the amount allocated this year.

Screen Ireland is the creative partner to the screen sector, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise, with a comprehensive range of practical funding supports across development, production, distribution, promotion and skills development. Since 2018, Screen Ireland has assisted in the production of 115 feature film projects, 44 TV dramas, 80 documentaries, 41 animation projects, and 69 short films. Screen Ireland has also supported projects for distribution and has seen the development of over 1,100 projects in the period. Senators may be familiar with some of the fantastic Irish-based TV dramas made possible in recent years by Screen Ireland’s support. These include "Obituary", "The Dry", "Hidden Assets", "The Young Offenders" and "The Walsh Sisters". Feature films include "Small Things Like These", "That They May Face the Rising Sun", and the Irish-language film "Báite". One to watch out for is "Saipan", a film coming to our cinemas in January about the events of the 2002 World Cup and staring young Cork actor Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane, alongside Steve Coogan. This is very appropriate and apt this week given that the heroics of the Irish soccer team mean we might reach the 2026 World Cup. These are just a few of the many wonderful productions with which Screen Ireland has been involved.

Screen Ireland operates a dual approach to industry development. It is one that maintains a balance between indigenous productions and incoming internationally mobile projects, which creates a range of opportunities for Irish creatives to work in partnership with Irish or international studios. The success of this approach has resulted in a stronger and more sustainable environment for screen production. As our screen industries continue to grow, balance and partnership remain a priority alongside an enhanced focus on sustainable production. Screen Ireland is committed to the development of the indigenous audiovisual industry into the future, supported by the agency’s strategic plan for 2025 to 2029 and working with all stakeholders and industry partners to collectively deliver on the Government’s ambition to establish Ireland as a global production hub. As an agency, Screen Ireland remains deeply committed to best practice and the principles of sustainability in all aspects of industry development, including environmental protection, green production, dignity in the workplace and nationwide development.

A skilled workforce in the screen sector is a crucial component for the development and maintenance of our screen industries. Screen Ireland has a skills and training division that is responsible for monitoring the needs of the screen sectors and ensuring that those needs are met at all levels.This is achieved through partnership and collaboration, building a stronger ecosystem, supported by stakeholder organisations, Screen Ireland’s national talent academy network and Irish production companies nationwide.

The national talent academies network is a recent initiative of Screen Ireland and includes the national talent academy for film and television led by Ardán in Galway, the national talent academy for animation led by Animation Ireland, the national talent academy for VFX led by Cultural and Creative Industries Skillnet, and three regional crew academies in Galway, Limerick and Wicklow. The network has been established to develop a highly skilled, diverse talent and crew base throughout the country, offering a wide range of activities for the Irish screen industry, including courses, programmes and career opportunities. The overarching aim of the national talent academies is to address and support current educational skills gaps in the screen sector and support the next generation of creatives, film-makers, producers, directors, screenwriters, animators, VFX artists, game developers and production crew. The approach that Screen Ireland has taken is the envy of many of our competitors around the world.

Screen Ireland aims to support and promote Irish film, television and animation through fostering Irish artistic vision and our diverse creative and production talent, growing audiences, and attracting film-makers and investment into the country. Recent years have been significant in terms of Irish creative talent and the Irish screen industries, not only for the commercial and critical plaudits of Irish film at home but also on the international stage. Our highly trained and skilled shooting and construction crews are crucial in making Ireland an attractive location for projects with record-breaking productions like "Wednesday" locating here.

The Irish film industry is in a strong position; this is the result of years of investment by Irish Governments. The need for continued Government investment is vital to build on these success stories. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels and we will not do so. We must seek out new opportunities to give our industry the help is deserves. In 2025, the 8% scéal uplift to section 481’s existing 32% tax incentive was introduced for live action and animated feature films with a budget of less than €20 million. Budget 2026 announced a new 8% uplift to the section 481 tax credit for visual effects. The former Minister, Paschal Donohoe, also announced improvements to the digital games tax credit. These enhancements add to announcements in recent budgets of an increase to €125 million in the cap for section 481 productions as well as a new unscripted tax credit of 20% that is expected to come onstream in the coming months. These are examples of the Government's support to a rapidly changing sector. We will continue as a Government to support this going forward. The Bill is a further example of that, in being willing to increase the cap that is in place from €500 million to €840 million so that we can support Screen Ireland to support all of the sectors within that going forward.

Evanne Ní Chuilinn (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for being here. He has had a busy day in the Seanad today and we appreciate that. I support this Bill, the Irish Film Board Amendment Bill 2025. It is, as the Minister of State says, a very technical Bill, but also crucial to the sustained support of the audio, visual and film industry in Ireland. Essentially, it raises the ceiling on the total cumulative amount that Screen Ireland can invest in the making of Irish films and training in all aspects of film-making, from that €500 million figure to €840 million. Now €340 million is obviously a huge sum of money for the Department to find to fund the industry, so it is encouraging to read in the brief that the proposed legislation will not mean any additional cost to the Exchequer. The proposed increase to the limit of funding is an enabling provision, as I understand it. This is because, as at 31 December 2024, an amount of €467.63 million had been provided by Screen Ireland since 1980. As such, the amount provided by Screen Ireland since its inception is obviously close to the current statutory limit of €500 million. A ceiling increase to €840 million is welcome and, frankly, crucial.

Given we are speaking about audiovisual production in Ireland, I want to acknowledge today's announcement by the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, that significant investment will be sustained via Screen Ireland to build on recent successes in film and television production. This will have a hugely positive impact on organisations such as Screen Producers Ireland, the national representative organisation of independent film, television, animation and digital companies. With more than 220 company members, Screen Producers Ireland is recognised as the voice of independent audiovisual production in Ireland and is a key stakeholder in the landscape.

I call for future discussion around a section 481 regional uplift. Notwithstanding the two uplifts the Minister of State mentioned, there were calls for an 8% regional uplift in the most recent budget. I know Screen Producers Ireland was grateful for the Minister's understanding and support of the proposal, so perhaps it could be tabled for future discussion at the next opportunity within the Department. At present, as colleagues can imagine, production is heavily concentrated in Dublin and Wicklow, leaving all other regions less developed. An upload for productions filmed outside of Dublin and Wicklow could offset higher costs, develop local talent, support regional economies and build sustainable production capacity nationwide. An additional regional incentive would allow the sector to grow organically through production hubs across Ireland, ensuring we have balanced regional development in the screen production sector. It would also enable crews, actors and production infrastructure to build sustainably across the country and support the economic and cultural life of areas outside of Dublin and Wicklow.

The Bill states that training in all aspects of film-making is included in the increased funding ceiling. As such, it is important to ensure that we have visible pathways for our young people who wish to make a life and a career in the arts and the audiovisual industry. This Bill will allow for funding to be sustained and that will have a positive effect on the lower rungs of the industry, which serve as a window or gateway to the industry. An example of one such gateway is the work done at FamiliBase in Ballyfermot, which I visited recently. Young people are given the opportunity to learn about music, video and film production with access to and the use of recording studio and videography equipment. The dedication and work of the staff at FamiliBase provides young people in this area with an avenue for expression and to learn about production of short films and video. While visiting their centre, I had the chance to get a sneak preview of a piece of work that was ongoing, where some local transition year students were exploring the effects of drug use on young people from the perspective of young people who have started using drugs and fallen into debt. It was a powerful expression of life through art and important for them to have the opportunity to explore this issue through performance and production. With the increased funding ceiling for Screen Island under this Bill, I would like to see that Screen Ireland in future could allocate additional supports to youth services like FamiliBase, so that they can continue to provide and enhance this important medium of expression for young people from all backgrounds, and ensure that barriers are reduced through the artistic medium of videography. These young people are the future to the talent academies that the Minister of State mentioned.

I thank the Minister of State for his time in bringing this Bill to the Seanad. I fully support the Bill and look forward to the future investments in indigenous film and the production industry.

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak on Second Stage of the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2025. This Bill raises the board's maximum aggregate funding from €500 million to €840 million. It is a decisive statement of intent from the State to back our creative industries at scale, to grow jobs and to secure Ireland's place on the international screen. I warmly support that ambition, but I also ask that we make sure that we allocate this capital in ways that maximise long-term cultural, economic and regional benefits.

Our film and television sector already punches far above its weight. It is a good news story worldwide. Irish actors and film-makers are among the most recognised globally when we think of names such as Saoirse Ronan, Cillian Murphy, Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson and so many others. They have become household names worldwide in their careers. They demonstrate the global appetite for Irish talent and storytelling. These artists did not emerge in a vacuum, but are the product of investment, an ecosystem of training, regional theatre and small-scale productions, and craftspeople who deserve such sustained investment.

We are also living through a transformation. It is a different world out there in how audiences access the content, which the Minister of State mentioned, with streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Apple TV, YouTube and many others.They have created enormous demand for fresh high-quality content. That demand is a huge opportunity for Ireland. We can attract major productions here, not simply as location shoots, as it was before, but as long-term partnerships that build studio capacity here, nurture local crews and establish production hubs. If we can translate the global interest in Irish talent into sustainable jobs here, we need both capital and strategy. The ambition that we are talking about has to be matched by the confidence and purpose. One of the big and overriding issues facing the sector today is Screen Ireland's ongoing inability to progress contracts on active productions that it has already agreed to fund. They are contracts that are in the pipeline. There are projects that are languishing awaiting contract signatures, budget approvals or disbursements. That delay slows the entire industry, frustrates producers and talent, and undermines confidence among private and international partners and funders. In many cases, it appears to be the result of excess bureaucracy and understaffing. For a public agency that is meant to fund to catalyse that production, it must operate with the speed, clarity and sufficient capacity.

Alongside that slowdown in signing contracts, etc., there is also a perception within the sector that Screen Ireland has sometimes behaved more like a Hollywood studio than a State funder of culture. Commercial considerations are important, but when public money is being used to leverage private investment and maximise the economic impact, we have to be careful that the decisions are not driven primarily by fear of political or public blowback. Otherwise, we lose sight of the board's cultural remit. The result can be overly risk-averse decision making that shies away from supporting bold or challenging Irish voices. There are two paths that we need to look at. On one side, we need look at the under-resourcing and the delays in bureaucracy, and on the other, the overly commercial showbiz mindset that forgets the public purpose of cultural funding.

The board needs a sharpened focus, faster contract management and clear timelines, improving staffing and streamlined processes that enable producers to move from the green light to camera without unnecessary delays. I am involved in a charity for the last number of years and it is trying to finish the funding. It has done five years so far, but it needs to finish the funding to get it to screen time. Equally, Screen Ireland must regain vision and dynamism. The sector's renewal in recent decades was driven by public champions prepared to take risks on talent and ideas. Our recently retired President, Michael D. Higgins, was one of those people who was a visionary for the arts and he pushed. His commitment to culture helped a whole ecosystem where Irish storytelling and talent could flourish. Without that public support, political support and cultural leadership, we would not have the thriving industry that the Minister of State has spoken about today and which represents extraordinary talent.

The Bill's increased funding should be applied strategically. First, it should allow the additional capital to leverage inward streaming commissions by structuring co-investments that require training places, regional spend and clear environmental standards. Second, with the finance infrastructure, such as sound stages, post-production suites and studio capacity, Ireland can host multi-season productions, and we have proven that. Third, the funding needs to be attached to measurable skills to development, such as apprenticeships, investment in education in film, crew pathways and bursaries for new writers and directors from diverse backgrounds. Fourth, the cultural funding for first features, documentaries and Irish language projects needs to be protected. That is vital. Regional disbursal must be explicit and targets for productions outside of Dublin is vital. I see what Joe O'Connell has done with Ashford film studios. I have a rehab centre right beside it and it has brought so much employment to the area. Such disbursal of the budget should be clear.

The intersection of streaming demand on Ireland's creative strengths represents a once in a generation opportunity. This Bill gives a financial lever for how we can progress. How we apply it will determine whether we build short-term activity or long-term capacity. I urge colleagues in the House to support this Bill. I ask the Minister and Screen Ireland to publish a clear delivery plan and targets for the regional disbursal that I have referenced and commitments to cultural support and sustainability. If we get this right, the next decade will see more Irish stories told by more Irish voices. We will hear about more Brendan Gleesons and Colin Farrells out there. We will see more crews working steadily at home and more productions bearing an unmistakable Irish stamp of culture, from small impactful documentaries to blockbuster series featuring our talent. We have a wonderful opportunity here.

Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)
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Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. I welcome the Bill and appreciate the opportunity to speak in my role as Seanad spokesperson for arts, culture and media. I begin by reflecting on what this Bill represents because too often technical amendments are treated as dry procedural matters, but this one carries significant weight. It speaks to the kind of country that we want to be, the value we place on our creative industries and our belief in the power of Irish storytelling. In the past few years, we have seen a renaissance in Irish film that has caught the world's attention. "The Quiet Girl" is an example of one of those most extraordinary cultural achievements of modern Ireland - a modest and deeply human Irish language story that travelled the world, moved audiences everywhere and made history as the first Irish language film ever nominated for an Academy Award. That kind of breakthrough changes global perceptions about us, not just of our film industry but of our language, culture and capacity to create work of profound emotional power. Then came "Kneecap", which exploded onto the global stage; a film that electrified audiences and critics alike to say the least. Supported in development by Screen Ireland, it brought a new unapologetically modern Irish voice to international cinema. Its triumph at the British Independent Film Awards marked yet another moment where Irish talent stood proud on a global platform and said, "We are here. We are relevant. We are original." These achievements are not outliers, they are the results of decades of strategic investment by Screen Ireland and our policymakers in first-time film makers, regional production, animation, documentary, Irish language cinema and diverse and emerging voices. Even in my own region, we have the Boyne Valley International Film Festival every year - a vibrant festival. They are throughout the country. This extra funding will help to bring a little of injection and life to those.

Of course, I agree that we need to have that regional uplift as well to spread the love across the country. These investments build an ecosystem that allows talent to develop, from short films right across to features, from local screens to international distribution, from early ambition to world-class audiences. This is why the Bill that is before us matters so much. Although technical in appearance, it is essential in practice. By raising the statutory ceiling on Screen Ireland's cumulative commitments, we are ensuring the agency can continue funding the projects, training, productions and innovations that underpin our entire screen sector.

The previous limit has been reached, which is itself a sign of success. The Irish screen industry has expanded dramatically. With that expansion comes a need for a more modernised legislative framework. Without this Bill, Screen Ireland would be constrained at precisely the moment when demand for Irish stories is growing, when international studios want to work here and when Irish talent is flourishing. Raising the ceiling ensures continuity. It ensures that projects already in development can move forward, that emerging talent is not lost, that inward investment continues at pace, and that Ireland remains competitive in a global industry where investment is mobile and opportunities can far too easily slip away. It places a huge responsibility on us. With increased capacity, must come increased oversight. We have to ensure that Screen Ireland continues to invest transparently, strategically and in line with its mission to support cultural expression and creative excellence. Public confidence and trust are essential. Screen Ireland has earned that trust through its extensive track record.

We should also recognise the broader impact of this sector. Film and television productions support thousands of skilled jobs, such as writers, directors, grips, carpenters, engineers, costume designers, editors and post-production specialists.This sector drives regional development. Not just Dublin, as was mentioned, and Wicklow but also Galway, my own county of Louth, Clare and Donegal have benefited from productions that bring employment, tourism and economic activity.

The Minister of State mentioned animation. That is one of our great global successes. It continues to win awards right around the world and employs hundreds of highly skilled artists and technicians. Irish documentaries are thriving on international platforms as only we can tell our own unique stories. Our studios are expanding and Irish creative workers are in demand right around the world. This Bill ensures that momentum continues.

Finally, we have to look towards the future. The global screen industry is undergoing rapid transformation. New technologies, new platforms, new audiences and, of course, artificial intelligence poses both opportunities and risks. Virtual production is reshaping how films are made and watched and the demand for diverse storytelling has never been greater. If Ireland is to remain at the forefront, we need to make sure our funding structures are flexible, modern and capable of supporting that innovation.

This amendment gives Screen Ireland the ability to respond to that changing landscape. It is not glamorous but it is vital. It ensures that our film industry is not restricted by outdated ceilings but empowered by forward-thinking and forward-looking legislation. It ensures that the next generation of Irish film makers, whoever and wherever they may be, can make their mark, tell their stories and represent Ireland on the world stage.

For all those reasons, I strongly support the Bill and I commend its intent to sustain and grow a sector that enriches our culture, strengthens our economy and elevates Ireland’s voice right around the world.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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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.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Gallery guests of Deputy Martin Daly and Senator Joe O’Reilly. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for being here.

Nessa Cosgrove (Labour)
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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.

Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)
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I will also speak in support of the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2025, a Bill that increases the amount Screen Ireland can invest, loan or guarantee to support films, TV and digital productions. It is a straightforward amendment but an important one. It will allow the sector to grow, create more jobs and to support more Irish stories on screen.

The screen industry is often judged in terms of glamorous shining lights, red carpets and ceremonies but the real impact we all feel in Ireland is with the ordinary people on the ground - the crew members, the small businesses that benefit from these, the writers, actors, technicians, hotels, drivers, catering carts and many more small businesses. In recent years, investment in the Irish screen industry has developed a very strong economic return and that money has gone into local jobs and local businesses, which is good for us all. In the west, across Roscommon, Galway and surrounding counties, we are already seeing huge benefit from this investment. The Minister of State mentioned “Obituary”, which was filmed in Ballyshannon in Donegal, a town that very much needs that investment. A derelict building was used for much of the production, too. It is great to see that. Regional funds and supports have helped attract production to many areas and created jobs and confidence across the sector. I will highlight two films. One, which I saw recently, is “Ann”, a 2022 film that dramatised the real life story of Ann Lovett, a 15-year-old girl who died in childbirth in a grotto in Granard in Longford in 1984.That film was produced in Boyle in County Roscommon and it highlighted a story that really shook the nation. In the same year, another horror movie, "The Cellar", was produced in Castlerea in Roscommon. It was shot at Clonalis House, the home of the O'Connors in Roscommon and the last High King of Ireland. These two productions were not supported by Screen Ireland. I hope, with the additional investment, that the next time we are talking about this, we will talk about films that were produced in Roscommon and supported by this funding.

I also highlight important work that is happening in the western region. I mention a project in Ballaghaderreen, An Bealach, where there is a plan to develop a state-of-the-art extended reality, or XR, studio and digital innovation hub. The project already has planning permission. Those behind it have a clear vision and there is strong community backing for a facility like this. The aim is to create a modern space where film, TV, digital production, virtual reality and training can come together. This could mean lots of new jobs, new skills for young people and new investment right in the heart of our region. I compliment the community down there and the committee of An Bealach, John Higgins, Councillor Micheál Frain, and the Western Development Commission and Roscommon County Council for supporting that particular project.

We have already seen and heard what Irish stories can achieve. We only need to look at "An Cailín Ciúin", a small Irish film that reached audiences across the world. Who is to say that the next great Irish success cannot come from Roscommon-Galway with the additional regional balance of investment? If we invest in talent and facilities, there is no limit to what can be achieved across our regions.

I support this Bill. It strengthens the creative economy and gives Ireland the ability to invest in more projects. I would like to see regional balance. The funding should not be Dublin-focused solely but must support talent and projects across the country. We should connect Screen Ireland with more local initiatives such as An Bealach, so that new studios and training centres become part of our national production network. We should use this moment to build long-term careers in the west and around rural Ireland, especially for young people who want to work in digital and creative industries.

The Bill gives us a chance to grow the Irish screen sector in a balanced way, supporting jobs, creativity and regional development. Roscommon-Galway has the talent, ambition and community spirit, as is clear from the two projects I mentioned. With projects like An Bealach moving forward, we are ready to take the opportunity of any additional investment that Screen Ireland gets. I welcome and support the Bill. I thank the Minister of State.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I call the next speaker, I welcome guests of Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh from the Association of Retired Ambulance Personnel. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I thank them for all their service down through the years. It is greatly appreciated by all the families and friends of those who they have attended in their time of need. I also welcome guests of Deputy Mattie McGrath from Bridgewater House to Seanad Éireann. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.

Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)
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Like other Members, I fully support this Bill. It is a short amendment but a very important one. I will focus specifically on the animation sector because the vast majority of the Irish animation sector is based in my home town of Kilkenny. I look at the success of Cartoon Saloon, a company that started from very modest beginnings in The Maltings, an old malting house of Smithwick's brewery, about 20 years ago. It was founded by Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey and Paul Young and a number of other very innovative and creative people who came out of Young Irish Film Makers, which again does wonderful work. We talk about supporting young people in that sector as well. Young Irish Film Makers, founded by Mike Kelly, was the hub of a lot of creativity that emanated from Kilkenny, not just from animation but in the film sector and in production as well.

From its founding in those early days, Cartoon Saloon's productions have included its first feature-length film, "The Secret of Kells", and later the "Song of the Sea", "The Breadwinner" and "Wolfwalkers". Three Oscar-nominated films coming from one studio is testament to the success of a very small studio that is now employing, in full production, up to 350 people, along with a sister studio, Lighthouse Studios, that has opened in recent years. In Kilkenny alone, there are over 700 people employed in full production. Lighthouse Studios also has household titles to its name, including "The Bob's Burgers Movie", "Rick and Morty", "Little Ellen" and "The Cuphead Show". People will be interested to know that "Rick and Morty" is produced in Kilkenny. I highlight what these productions have done for Kilkenny and in Kilkenny.

A number of Senators have spoken about the regional uplift but, as it pertains to the animation sector, the whole issue of ongoing professional development and training needs to be consideration as well. Out of those two very successful studios has come the Kilkenny Animated festival and there is a lot of new talent coming through the stream. That idea and notion of supporting this through the South East Technological University, SETU, campuses, both in Carlow and Waterford, and creating an animation hub in the south-east region is something I have spoken to Paul Young, Nora Twomey and Tomm Moore about. The idea would be that Kilkenny and the south-east region could become a national animation hub where there is ongoing professional development and training and a clear pathway for youth animators to come into the sector.

I wanted to speak to that and the real economic benefit that both Cartoon Saloon and Lighthouse Studios have brought to Kilkenny. They could have moved up to Dublin where the action is years ago, when things were not great and they were struggling. They had trouble in the building they were in with broadband and all of those issues, but they wanted to stay in the heart of Kilkenny city. That is a great testament to what they have done.

Looking at other municipalities across Europe, local authorities develop short-term accommodation for people coming into creative sectors, be they in theatre, film or animation. We are looking at the repurposing of buildings and the Government providing funding through THRIVE and other initiatives. There is an opportunity there for local authorities to look at short-stay accommodation for people coming in to work in the creative sector for short periods of time. We should give consideration to that.

In the final minute I have, I will speak to a beautiful film that is currently showing in the Irish Film Institute. Called "Born That Way", it was made by Éamon Little, with the support of the Irish Film Board, and is about the life of the late Patrick Lydon. Patrick was a groundbreaking person who worked for social inclusion and environmental sustainability through Camphill Communities in Ballytobin and Callan in County Kilkenny. I hope people get a chance to see it. It will probably be screened on television at some point. It is a really wonderful film. Again, it is testament to the creative talent of the sector in Ireland. Lots of productions have been mentioned in this debate. There is something unique in Ireland and this Bill gives credence and tangible support to a sector that is continuing to grow and develop professionally, but also continuing to excel on the world stage.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister of State to the House. As has been said, the Bill gives respect and credence to an industry that has served us very well over many decades, but very much so over the last decade. Going back 40 or 50 years, Cong in Mayo became famous through film. There are so many other fantastic examples. Down where I live in County Clare, people will know it is particularly quiet in the months of November, December, January, February and March. However, a number of years ago, three seasons of a television series "Smother", which went on to be very successful both here and abroad, were filmed there over a number of winters. Hotels that would normally be closed during those months were able to stay open and provide accommodation. We had the full cast and crew living in the area.Some of them love the area so much, they keep coming back. That is one tangible example of where the film industry has supported communities in a real way. The arts and the film industry are so important for this country. I would like to give a particular shout-out to the Courthouse Gallery and Studios in Ennistimon, County Clare, which is largely funded through voluntary contributions and by volunteers and supported by the arts office in Clare County Council. It is a space where many films have been shown over the years. It is also an art gallery. We had the State art exhibition there in 2015. We were delighted that the Tánaiste, when he was Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, came to Ennistimon and opened the State art exhibition. That was a major boost at the time, because back in 2015 we were still in very difficult times. The one industry that did struggle and earned its stripes then was the arts industry. The opening of the State art exhibition was a huge boost not just for the Courthouse Gallery and Studios, but for the town of Ennistimon in general.

Most of those present know that north Clare is rich in traditional culture and music. I hope that we will see a lot more films made in the north Clare area. Probably the most famous was the "Father Ted" productions that took place in the general Kilfenora-Ennistimon area in the 1990s. The legacy is still going strong to this day and it is a major tourist attraction. People who come to visit our area all want to see the Father Ted house. The spin-off businesses that come are absolutely fantastic.

I am not going to keep talking because I am quite hoarse and people want to hear the Minister of State.

John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I acknowledge the very strong interest that has been shown in this short technical piece of legislation. It has given us the opportunity to have a wider discussion about the importance of the screen and audiovisual sectors, and the wider arts sector. It is an area that I place a strong value on myself. I have worked in the arts sector in the past, both in the Theatre Royal in Waterford and in the concert hall in Limerick. I have been involved in some productions as well.

Senator Scahill referenced the breadth of involvement in productions as a whole. It is not just the actors, but the cast, the support crew, the construction of the sets and all the associated areas - catering, hospitality, and tourism - as Senator Conway just referenced. The impact is far wider than the small piece of the actual production itself. There is no doubt that we are punching above our weight in this country, but obviously we need to maintain it, build on it and not rest on our laurels because there are parts of the world that want a piece of what we have. We must preciously guard what we have and support the producers in our country that are producing content of the highest quality.

I think of small productions and my own area in Waterford and An Rinn in the Gaeltacht. Companies in the area collaborate with Nemeton TV. A whole ecosystem has built up around that. Senator Noonan referred to Cartoon Saloon and Kilkenny. Other speakers referenced the strong ecosystems that had been built up all across the country.

In response to Senator Ní Chuilinn's comment on the regional uplift, which ceased in 2023, it is hoped that the unscripted tax relief will increase the regional production piece. I am sure it is something the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, will engage further on in budgets to come.

Senator McCarthy referenced delays. It is important to note that Screen Ireland has had a dramatic increase in the demands on its resources. Hence, the Bill that is before us here this evening. Additional funding has been provided for staffing to ensure the timely processing of applications to Screen Ireland.

There are differing views on the content level. That was raised by Senator Andrews. I will leave it at that.

Other matters that were raised included section 481, which both Senators Cosgrove and Scahill mentioned. It is important to say that quality employment terms are attached to section 481. An undertaking must be made on quality employment and there is a code of behaviour to ensure dignity at work for everyone as part of that. I take on board the points made. The officials are listening carefully to what has been said, for example, about the two producers in Roscommon who were referenced. Track record is part of the criteria. I hope the strong track record that they are building can be rewarded into the future.

I genuinely thank all Senators for their contributions. I also thank the officials within the Department for bringing forward the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2025, which contains a single provision to increase the statutory limit. It is the intention of the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, to bring forward further proposals to amend the Irish Film Board Act, including the expansion of the board in the new year. While it is separate to this Bill, it is obviously connected. We look forward to getting this legislation enacted as quickly as possible.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)
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Next Tuesday.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.