382. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the reason Ireland has not signed the Council of Europe Convention for the Audiovisual Production of TV Series (details supplied); the plans to ratify the Convention during Ireland's EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53619/26]

The system governing film co-productions under the Council of Europe is built around the Council of Europe Convention on Cinematographic co-production to which Ireland has been a party and been a beneficiary for several decades The Council of Europe Convention on the Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in the Form of Series will cover television series. Ireland was involved in the negotiation of this treaty which is particularly important to Ireland. The Convention opened for signature on 26 March 2026.

As this is an international treaty, my Department officials are currently working with officials of my Cabinet colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, working through the various steps in the procedures necessary for the signature of any internationally-binding agreement. At present, it is expected that these will be concluded shortly.