Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2829. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a company (details supplied) has received funding from Screen Ireland since March 2017; her views in regard to a connection between Screen Ireland board members and the company and the perception of unfairness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33648/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2830. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a company (details supplied) has received funding from Screen Ireland since March 2017; her views in regard to a connection between Screen Ireland board members and the company and the perception of unfairness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33649/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2831. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a company (details supplied) has received funding from Screen Ireland since March 2017; her views in regard to a connection between Screen Ireland board members and the company and the perception of unfairness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33650/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2832. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a company (details supplied) has received funding from Screen Ireland since March 2017; her views in regard to a connection between Screen Ireland board members and the company and the perception of unfairness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33651/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2829 to 2832, inclusive, together.
Screen Ireland works within the framework of the Irish Film Board Acts, 1980 to 2011.
Screen Ireland is statutorily independent in its funding decisions and neither I as Minister nor my officials have any role on such matters. In situations where there is a possibility of a conflict of interest involving Board members, I am advised that Screen Ireland adopts procedures in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
I understand from Screen Ireland that in the normal course of business, Screen Ireland may approve grants or enter into other contractual arrangements with entities in which Screen Ireland Board Members are employed or are otherwise interested. In cases of potential conflict of interest, I am advised that Board members do not receive Board documentation or otherwise participate in or attend discussions regarding these transactions. A register is maintained of all such instances and is available on request.
