Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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474. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the protections and supports he plans to introduce to safeguard and promote authentic Irish cultural production and employment in the arts sector given the growth of streaming platforms and AI generated content; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31886/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The growth of streaming platforms over recent years has resulted in presented wide-ranging and ongoing opportunities for the Irish audiovisual industry. Many productions made in Ireland are now streaming across the world on the major streaming platforms. Many of these are also set in Ireland so that Irish culture, society and landscapes are becoming familiar to a global audience. This activity is reflected in the industry on the ground with Irish creatives and crews benefiting from the highest levels of production and expertise. This success has been generated by Government action over many decades providing funding to develop the industry and ensure a highly skilled workforce and as well as a completive tax relief.

Screen Ireland is the development agency for the Irish audiovisual sector. Screen Ireland's remit includes the development of the domestic screen industry and attracting internationally mobile productions here. A priority is supporting artists and filmmakers to tell their stories. The training division of Screen Ireland ensures that training and upskilling are central to all productions it funds and also works with incoming productions to develop and sign off on skills plans that benefit the wider industry. The involves ensuring the industry has the appropriate skills to take advantage of emerging creative technologies. As new formats and technologies open up, new avenues and forms of creative storytelling can offer opportunities to cross disciplines and explore new forms of creativity.

Screen Ireland places particular emphasis on protecting and supporting artists and this remains essential with regard to implementing any new or emerging technologies. It is vital to work with industry on future proofing by placing emphases on the importance of research, education and training in these areas when it comes to the new production workflows and international best practice.

In the matter of AI, my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has responsibility for the National AI Strategy, the A.I. Advisory Council, including the Council's receipt of recommendations on AI and the creative and cultural sectors. Minister Niamh Smyth T.D. is Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with responsibility for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation. I understand that Minister Smyth will hold a roundtable discussion, later this month, about the AI Advisory Councils Advice Paper on the Creative Sector. Officials of my Department have been invited to the roundtable and will attend.