Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
291. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is aware of buyout contracts that disadvantage Irish creatives in the audio-visual industry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44731/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are myriad different ways of compensating creatives in respect of their creative output. Creatives themselves, depending on individual needs and preferences at different times of their lives, may prefer to opt for a buyout contract or the retention of all or part of their intellectual property, but should in general have the right to do what they want with their intellectual property. In this context, creatives operate under a range of work-related agreements. I understand that much of the present discussion around buyout contracts is focused on the acting profession in the audiovisual industry, which is represented by Irish Equity/SIPTU. In the first instance, SIPTU may negotiate and agree contracts, arrangements and rates for stage and screen actors in Ireland. In addition to its Irish Equity Division, SIPTU also represents many of the Screen workers guilds and, in this context a shooting crew agreement is in place that operates in the sector.
Matters relating to intellectual property rights as well as copyright issues in general, falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
In the meantime, Screen Ireland, the State Body with responsibility for the development of the Irish audiovisual industry, has retained an independent facilitator to meet with key stakeholders to understand and discuss issues that have arisen as a result of and since the transposition into Irish law of the EU Copyright Directive. Stakeholder meetings have been held over recent months and the next phase of the process will involve further engagement with relevant stakeholders.
