Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 November 2018
21. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that the film industry forum is convened as soon as possible; if all industry stakeholders are invited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47417/18]
View answerOne of the 11 Recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's Report on the Development and Working Conditions in the Irish Film Industry called on Fís Éireann to constitute a Forum for the audiovisual industry with an independent Chair. The Forum would allow all stakeholders within the sector to meet and work together to develop mutually beneficial solutions for the industry.
I have met with the Chair and CEO of Fís Éireann in recent weeks and Fís Éireann has subsequently confirmed its intention to hold an industry forum to respond to the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee
Fís Éireann is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. It supports these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects.
The convening of an audiovisual industry form was also discussed at the Audiovisual Steering Group which brings together all Government Departments and State Agencies which have involvement in the Irish audiovisual industry
I should just say that I am satisfied that the industry in general works to a high standards. My Department will work with all partners to ensure that all sectors of the industry comply with their obligations and that everyone in the industry works in a respectful environment and supportive environment as that is the best way of ensuring the continued growth and success of the industry in the interests of all workers engaged within it.
I should however, also point out that there are challenges in convening the proposed forum in the context of the revelations in the recently broadcast RTÉ Prime Time programme, which focused on bullying and harassment in the film and television industry. Fís Éireann is committed to continuing to work on the organisation of this event and it is hoped that a further announcement will be made in the near future.
I am confident that we can address the issues of bullying and harassment in the audio visual industry with a similar approach to that adopted in the theatre sector.
