Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Last Thursday, a stakeholder forum was held in Dublin and attended by representative bodies of all parts of the Irish audiovisual industry. While there was a small number of presentations on elements of Section 481 requirements, the entire focus of the day was on ensuring that everyone attending from the industry was given ample opportunity to voice their opinions. Because of the large number of stakeholders who registered to attend, the format employed ten tables of eight stakeholders each with a moderator and notetaker. Over three breakout sessions, each table discussed every element of the Oversight Committee's recommendation and in turn, presented findings to the full forum. Following all presentations, each table returned to the topic to discuss the findings of the other nine tables. A professional rapporteur conducted the entire event.

The views expressed were diverse and there was a range of opinions on the future direction of the tax relief. I understand, however, that there was a spirit of collaboration at the event and participants showed respect for opposing viewpoints. All views are being collated at present and will be presented in due course. Stakeholders attending included trades unions, film crew and construction guilds, creative guilds, local authority film commissioners, casting directors, talent agencies, film studios, Animation Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, VFX Ireland, Arts & Disability Ireland, Women in Film & Television, Audiovisual Ireland and Women in Animation.

Many of the matters raised at the forum, including employment contracts and copyright, are the responsibility of Cabinet colleagues and these were represented by their officials as observers at the forum. As well officials from my Department, relevant officials attended from the Departments of Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Revenue Commissioners. Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán and Oireachtas members also attended as observers.

In organising the forum, regard was taken of the demand on busy industry professionals to give up a days work. The forum was held at this time of the year to allow for the greatest level of attendance. Despite this I am informed that some could not attend due to pressure of work. As Minister, I would like to thank all of the participants for their attendance and their contribution to the event.