Sinn Féin spokesperson for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, Arts, Culture, Tourism and Media, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, has labelled as ‘shameful’ the decision by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to reject Sinn Féin’s amendment to the Finance Bill which would ensure tax relief is only given to film projects which treat Irish workers no worse than workers from other jurisdictions.

The Dublin South Central TD said:

“Section 481 provides a significant tax relief to support film productions in Ireland, and rightly so, and we are happy to see that this is being extended now to unscripted productions. Sinn Féin believes, however, that tax relief should only be provided to productions which uphold the rights of our writers, performers, and workers.

“My amendment was a simple one. The tax relief would only be given to productions which comply with copyright law, which don’t require workers to sign away their right to future royalties in order to get work, and which treat Irish workers no worse in terms of pay and conditions than their counterparts from other jurisdictions doing the same work on the same project.

“That Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party have, for the second year in a row, rejected this very basic ask begs the question: What are they so afraid will happen our film industry happen if we demanded compliance with the law and equal treatment for Irish workers before handing out tax relief? Is that truly too much to ask?

“Many in the industry, including Irish Equity, have called out unfair practices in the film industry which leave Irish writers, performers, and crew worse off in spite of huge state support for the industry.

“We should always strive that workers’ rights, workers’ terms and conditions in Ireland are on par with the best in the world. Why should we settle for second best or worse when we are paying for it.”

ENDS