Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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146. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the framework for recruitment, human resources and workers’ rights that currently exists for workers in Ireland’s film industry; and the role his Department plays in this framework and in ensuring the protection and promotion of robust workers’ rights. [48502/22]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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With regard to the rights and entitlements available to employees working in the film and TV sector, it is important to point out that there is no exemption or separate category under Irish employment law for individuals working in the film and TV industry as all employees are treated equally and afforded the same protections.

Ireland has a comprehensive body of employment, equality and industrial relations legislation with which the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is mandated to secure compliance. Ireland’s body of employment rights legislation protects all employees who are legally employed on an employer-employee basis, regardless of what title is given to them. Once it is clear that a person is working under a contract of employment (written or verbal), on a full-time or part-time basis, that person has the same protection under employment law as other employees.

As you will also be aware, workers can request a determination from the Scope Section of the Department of Social Protection specifically in relation to their employment status where they believe their work history has been misclassified. Applications are thoroughly examined by a Social Welfare Inspector before a determination is made by a Deciding Officer in accordance with the law.

In 2020, the WRC published a report following its audit of the Independent Film and Television Drama Production Sector. The audit set out to:

- examine industrial relations generally, employment practices and procedure,

- assess issues arising (if any), and

- make recommendations for their improvement where appropriate.

The WRC received submissions from thirty-four groups and individuals from across the sector and the report contains a number of recommendations. The link to the report is as follows: www.workplacerelations.ie/en/news-media/workplace_relations_notices/wrc-audit-of-the-independent-film-and-television-drama-production-sector-in-the-republic-of-ireland.pdf.