Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight’s recent report on the section 481 film tax credit and the recommendations contained therein, including those specific to copyright law.

I would note that copyright law falls within the remit of the Department of the Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, 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, broadcasters and 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.

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (DTCAGSM) are examining the options available regarding the recommendation in the Committee on Budgetary Oversight’s Report on Section 481 (Film Tax Relief) for the convening of a stakeholder forum.

I am advised that a previous attempt to constitute a forum was undertaken by Screen Ireland in 2019, but it did not prove possible to progress as, at that time, it appeared that a forum discussion would primarily comprise of the airing of disputes and grievances which are more properly dealt with by the State through other mechanisms such as the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

Further engagement between my Department and DTCAGSM is ongoing in respect of the BOC's recommendations. I would also note that my officials have directly engaged with all relevant representative bodies in the sector, including those representing crew, cast and producers, with a view to understanding the issues affecting the audio-visual sector.