Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
621. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the recent protest by film workers regarding working conditions and salary levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22057/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Workplace Relations Act 2015, dispute resolution between employers and workers in Ireland on pay and/or working conditions is addressed by the Workplace Relations Commissions which has specific functions in relation to the resolution of industrial disputes. The Labour Court is also available as the single appeal body for all workplace relations appeals. These are the legitimate industrial relations mechanisms where grievances can addressed.
In addition to these existing mechanisms to deal with industrial relations issues, and as part of a response to improve training and related conditions of employment in the film industry, the Irish Film Board and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland jointly commissioned a report on the issue of training in the Irish film, television and animation industry. The study by consultants Crowe Howarth entitled Strategy for the Development of Skills for the Audio-Visual Industry in Ireland has been published and is available at this link: https://www.irishfilmboard.ie/images/uploads/general/AV_Skills_Strategy_Report.pdf.
The Film Board is already acting on the recommendations of the Crowe Howarth Report including the establishment of an advisory Board for Screen Training Ireland, the appointment of a Training Manager, a skills-gap audit across live-action, animation and television production sectors; and engagement with the sector with regard to the recommendations.
