Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of Recommendations 7 and 8 as made by the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight as part of its examination of the section 481 film tax credit.

In relation to Recommendation 7 regarding intellectual property rights and Recommendation 8 regarding compliance with relevant copyright legislation, I would note that copyright law falls within the remit of the Department of the Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Notwithstanding this, to gain an understanding of the issue, my officials have engaged with the stakeholders concerned, including representative bodies for actors and performers.

Copyright is relevant for many workers in the film sector, including authors, producers and broadcasters in addition to performers. I have been informed that an independent facilitator has been retained by Screen Ireland to meet with key stakeholders to understand and discuss issues raised through the implementation of the Digital Single Market Directive (Copyright Directive). Stakeholder meetings have been held over the past number of months and further engagement is ongoing. I look forward to the outputs from this process.

It worth noting that copyright legislation applies regardless of whether it is referenced as part of the application process for section 481 or not. If there are issues with copyright law as it currently applies, as stated, this is a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.