How to verify a modelling or acting casting in Ireland (and Malta): contracts, scams, data protection and a 20‑point due‑diligence checklist

How to verify a modelling or acting casting in Ireland (and Malta): contracts, scams, data protection and a 20‑point due‑diligence checklist

This long‑form guide is written for performers, models, agents and casting assistants working in two local markets with different production profiles: Ireland (with an active Dublin production ecosystem, domestic TV and film, and frequent UK/Ireland co‑productions) and Malta (an international location market, often hosting large overseas shoots and bringing many international casting departments to the islands). It shows step‑by‑step how to verify a casting or modelling booking, what to check in contracts and releases, how to spot scams, and how to keep your personal data safe. The operational checklists, email and self‑tape templates and negotiation scenarios are designed to be used immediately.

This article was researched against current local, authoritative sources: Screen Ireland, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), Equity (UK & Ireland) guidance for artists working in Ireland, IFTA and Maltese government information on data protection and production. Sources and verification are listed at the end with access date. When the law or regulator is cited, links are to their guidance pages. The publishing date for this article is July 22, 2026; the web resources below were checked on July 20, 2026.

Why verify a casting?

Risks performers face

• Fraud and impersonation: fake casting calls or fake companies requesting fees, travel or bank details.
• Unclear or exploitative contracts: releases that give away more rights than you intend (e.g. worldwide perpetual rights without adequate payment or credit).
• Data privacy violations: uncontrolled use of your images, CV, or sensitive material in ways that breach GDPR.
• Employment misclassification: being treated incorrectly as self‑employed or as an employee with no payslip/insurance.
• Health & safety issues on set, or engagements that require payment to participate (usually a red flag).

The Irish Data Protection Commission clarifies that an identifiable image is personal data and its capturing and use must have a lawful basis such as consent or legitimate interest; producers and casting teams that rely on images or reels should have documented legal bases and retention periods. ([dataprotection.ie](https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/faqs/topical-data-protection-issues/when-i-am-attending-public-event-can-organisers-take-promotional-photographs-me-without-my-consent?utm_source=openai))

Local market distinctions: Dublin & Irish production practices vs Malta's international market

Ireland (Dublin area and Republic of Ireland)

Ireland has a mixed production market: indigenous drama and documentary production, a growing TV drama sector supported by Screen Ireland’s funding and incentive systems, and regular inward productions (UK and international). Dublin typically hosts auditions in person and online self‑tape sessions. Producers working with public funding or Irish tax incentives (including completion funding) are expected to document rights for performers clearly in contracts and delivery materials. Screen Ireland publishes funding and completion guidance that includes requirements about rights and key creative roles; when a production is applying for funding or registration it must be clear about performer agreements and permissions. ([screenireland.ie](https://www.screenireland.ie/funding/funding-process-and-procedure/production-funding-guidelines?utm_source=openai))

Malta (an international location market)

Malta’s screen ecosystem frequently hosts international shoots and location work. Production models there often involve overseas casting directors, local fixer companies and large numbers of extras or background artists for short, intensive shoots. Local regulatory attention and public scrutiny around the Malta Film Commission have increased in recent years — this has shaped expectations of formal contracting and public accountability for larger shoots in Malta. Producers and talent should expect international production practices (e.g. model releases for location work that grant global exploitation rights) and should check company structures closely: whether the contractor is an EU/UK‑established service company, a local Maltese production company, or an international hire agency acting on behalf of the production. News coverage shows recent high‑profile productions in Malta and public scrutiny of film commission dealings; use this context to understand scale and the likely business model for the casting. ([cineuropa.org](https://cineuropa.org/en/news/476666/?utm_source=openai))

Who you must check (first‑tier checks)

1. Production company name and registration (company number). For Irish productions, check the company is registered in Ireland (CRO) or is an established international production. Screen Ireland funding applications normally require clear company details. ([screenireland.ie](https://www.screenireland.ie/funding/funding-process-and-procedure/making-an-application?utm_source=openai))
2. Key contact names and official email addresses (avoid generic free webmail where possible: a company‑domain email is a stronger signal).
3. Casting director or agency identity — confirm via their listed website, reputation and previous credits (IMDb or industry pages are useful but not definitive).
4. Payment route: will you be paid through payroll (PAYE) or as a self‑employed invoice? Equity notes that in the Republic of Ireland performers may be treated as employees for tax purposes depending on contract terms — check tax status. ([equity.org.uk](https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/know-your-rights/working-in-ireland?utm_source=openai))
5. Data practice: request to see the privacy notice or model release wording before signing; for EU work GDPR applies and Irish DPC guidance applies to images. ([dataprotection.ie](https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/faqs/topical-data-protection-issues/when-i-am-attending-public-event-can-organisers-take-promotional-photographs-me-without-my-consent?utm_source=openai))

Contracts, release forms and typical clauses to watch

Contracts for performers typically fall into a few categories. Don’t sign until you understand which applies:

• Employment contract (PAYE) — the company pays through payroll, deducts tax/PRSI, and offers employment protections. Often used for television or long engagements.
• Engagement or service contract (self‑employed / freelance) — a contractor relationship where you invoice the production; responsibilities and tax implications differ. For some short work performers are considered contractors; check practical details (who pays insurance, does the production carry employers’ liability insurance, etc.).
• Letter of agreement / day‑rate deal — a short contract specifying dates, sides, fees and rights; these can be legally binding if well drafted.
• Model or talent release — an assignment of certain rights in the performance, audio and image. Releases range from limited (use for a single campaign, with termination or expiry) to broad (worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable). Watch for the words "assign", "waive", "perpetual", "all media" and whether payment is tied to the release. You may be asked to sign a general release on the day — insist on reasonable, written terms in advance.

Essential contract clauses and what they mean

1. Parties and address — production company full legal name and registered address, not just trading name.
2. Scope of services — exactly what is required (rehearsals, fittings, stunts, ADR, voice‑overs), working hours, and expected deliverables.
3. Fee and payment terms — gross fee, payment date, method, invoice details, and whether travel or subsistence is included.
4. Tax and status clause — who is responsible for tax; Irish performers should confirm PAYE vs self‑employed treatment. Equity guidance explains tax considerations for performers working in Ireland. ([equity.org.uk](https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/know-your-rights/working-in-ireland?utm_source=openai))
5. IP and exploitation rights — what you are licensing/assigning, whether the rights are exclusive, territories, media and duration.
6. Moral rights, credit and billing — should specify how you will be credited and whether any moral rights are waived.
7. Termination and cancellation — notice periods and cancellation fees (Pay‑or‑Play, if used, guarantees payment even if production cancels under certain terms; mark as estimate if you haven’t seen a formal clause).
8. Image/data processing and privacy — how the production will process and store your personal data and images, retention period and how to exercise rights. Irish DPC guidance requires lawful basis for image processing. ([dataprotection.ie](https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/faqs/topical-data-protection-issues/when-i-am-attending-public-event-can-organisers-take-promotional-photographs-me-without-my-consent?utm_source=openai))
9. Insurance & health & safety — confirmation of public liability, employers’ liability, and any special cover for stunts or minors.
10. Expenses, visas, and travel — who pays for work permits or travel for international shoots (Screen Ireland guidance on visas/working permits is relevant for Ireland and inbound talent). ([screenireland.ie](https://www.screenireland.ie/filming/visas-working-permits?utm_source=openai))

Common scams, red flags and immediate actions

Red flags on initial contact

• Requests for money up front to audition, appear or access materials. Legitimate casting does not ask you to pay to attend an audition or to be listed.
• Unsolicited offers from unknown senders promising quick high pay without an audition or verifiable credits.
• Generic email domains (Gmail/Hotmail) with no company domain, or email addresses that don’t match the claimed company name.
• Pressure to sign immediately without time to review or to waive rights in writing before seeing a script or release wording.
• Requests for sensitive documents (passport copy, PPSN / personal tax ID, bank details) via unencrypted email before a contract or legitimate HR process is in place.
• Requests to move payments to private accounts or to use non‑standard payment methods (cryptocurrency, cash transfers to private accounts abroad) — treat as suspicious.

If you suspect a scam, stop communication, do not send money or documents, take screenshots and report it. For an Irish context: report financial fraud to An Garda Síochána and preserve correspondence; for data concerns the Irish Data Protection Commission handles breaches of GDPR rights. The DPC provides guidance and case studies on unauthorised publication of photographs and how to resolve complaints. ([dataprotection.ie](https://dataprotection.ie/en/dpc-guidance/case-studies/objection-to-processing/unauthorised-publication-photograph-amicable-resolution?utm_source=openai))

A 20‑point due‑diligence checklist (printable & tickable)

Use this checklist before you accept or sign anything. Each item is binary (Yes/No) and if any answer is No you must pause and investigate.

1. Do I have the production company’s full legal name and registration number? (Yes/No)
2. Is there an official company email at the company domain? (Yes/No)
3. Can I verify the company’s previous credits (IMDb, Screen Ireland funding list or other public credit)? (Yes/No)
4. Is the casting director or agency identifiable and verifiable? (Yes/No)
5. Is the role and scope of work described in writing? (Yes/No)
6. Is the fee clearly stated, with payment date and method? (Yes/No)
7. Is the employment/tax status (PAYE vs self‑employed) clear? (Yes/No)
8. Is a written contract or letter of agreement provided in advance? (Yes/No)
9. Is there a model/talent release draft available to read before signing? (Yes/No)
10. Does the release limit usage (territory, duration, media) to a level you accept? (Yes/No)
11. Does the contract include termination and cancellation terms? (Yes/No)
12. Is there confirmation of insurance (public/employers’ liability)? (Yes/No)
13. Are H&S measures, PPE or stunt cover explained if applicable? (Yes/No)
14. If a minor, are parental consents and safeguarding measures in place? (Yes/No)
15. Is there a privacy notice or data processing statement for your images and CV? (Yes/No)
16. Is there a reasonable retention period for your images/data stated? (Yes/No)
17. Are you asked to pay for anything (casting fee, background checks, travel) out of pocket before contract? (Yes/No — should be No)
18. Is the payment route standard (company payroll or company invoice, not private) and verifiable? (Yes/No)
19. Are you given time to seek advice or review (48–72 hours is common practice)? (Yes/No)
20. Do you have at least one independent confirmation (agent, union, credible colleague) of the production? (Yes/No)

If you answer No to any critical item (company registration, fee, contract, or requests for payment), treat the casting as unverified and escalate (ask the contact for evidence, check with your agent, consult Equity or the DPC where appropriate).

Decision tables and step‑by‑step workflows

Decision table: company verification (quick)

Workflow: audition to first payment (recommended)

1. Initial contact: verify company name, contact details and role description.
2. Request written terms: ask for a letter of engagement/contract and any release or privacy wording before auditioning or providing sensitive data.
3. Confirm payment method and payment date; request an invoice template if you will self‑invoice.
4. Read the release and check for territory/duration/medium limits.
5. Sign only when you have a contract (or signed letter) with clear payment timing; keep copies of all signed documents.
6. After work: send invoice/pay request according to contract; retain payslips and proof of payment for tax purposes.

Operational templates: emails and self‑tape instructions

Email template: request to verify a casting (before sharing documents)

Subject: Request for written terms and company verification — [Project / Role]

Hello [Name],

Thank you for reaching out about the [Role] on [Project name]. Before I share personal documents or attend the audition, could you please send:

1) The production company’s full legal name and registration number;
2) A copy of the letter of engagement or contract (draft if final not yet ready);
3) The model/talent release draft and the privacy notice concerning how my images/data will be processed and stored;
4) Confirmation of payment method and the payment schedule (e.g. invoice/payroll/payment within X days);
5) A contact phone number for the production company’s HR or production office.

I’ll review and respond promptly. If helpful, my agent/contact is [agent name and phone/email].

Kind regards,
[Your Name] — [Location]
[Agent contact if any]
  

Self‑tape guidance (what to include and how to protect yourself)

• Record on a neutral background; include your name and role at the start of the file (spoken and on a title card).
• Use a filename with your name + role + date (e.g. JaneDoe_RoleName_2026-07-01.mp4).
• Keep a copy of the material and the email that requested the self‑tape; note who asked for it and for what specific usage.
• If the request includes music or scripted material that is sensitive, ask about rights clearance and who will own the recording after submission.
• Never provide passwords, ID numbers or bank details in a self‑tape or cover email.

Negotiation scenarios — practical language and tactics

Scenario A: Short commercial shoot — you want limited usage

Producer offers a modest fee and a standard release that assigns worldwide, perpetual rights. Tactic: propose a limited license: "I accept a licence limited to [territories] and [media] for [X years], with a separate fee for any extension or new use. Credit to read: '[actor name] as [role]'." If the production is on a tight budget, ask for a reduced license term rather than full assignment.

Scenario B: TV drama with potential international sales

When a series has funding through Screen Ireland or a co‑production with an international company, you should expect broader exploitation rights but also clearer payment pathways and residuals in some cases. Ask for clarity on any release that waives future payments for reuse (e.g. trailers, promos) and ask for credit clauses consistent with industry practice. When in doubt, ask Equity for guidance on contract terms. ([equity.org.uk](https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/know-your-rights/professionally-made-professionally-paid/contract-checklist?utm_source=openai))

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Signing a release on the day without reading it. Always request the release in advance and allow time for review.
• Sharing passport or bank details before HR or a formal contract is in place. Provide minimal identification for distance checks and wait for payroll or invoice instructions.
• Confusing casting directors with producers — a casting director may not be able to finalize payment or contracts. Always confirm the contracting party.
• Assuming social media or an actor’s reel proves legitimacy. Use social proof as one element but verify company registration and written terms.

Data protection, children and vulnerable performers

Under EU GDPR and Irish law, images of identifiable individuals are personal data. The Irish Data Protection Commission’s guidance emphasises that taking and using images requires a lawful basis (commonly consent) and requires clear information to data subjects about how images will be used and for how long; the DPC provides case studies on unauthorised publication and guidance on the use of CCTV and event photography. If you are asked to sign a release relying on consent, the production should provide a clear privacy notice describing retention periods and your rights. ([dataprotection.ie](https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/faqs/topical-data-protection-issues/when-i-am-attending-public-event-can-organisers-take-promotional-photographs-me-without-my-consent?utm_source=openai))

Special rules apply to children: the DPC provides fundamentals guidance on children’s data protection rights and the roles of parental consent in many contexts — productions with minors must have parental consents and safeguarding measures documented. If working in Malta, the Maltese supervisory authority and government guidance on data protection and the Information and Data Protection Commissioner remain the references for local compliance; check for current IDPC contacts if you have cross‑border data concerns. ([dataprotection.ie](https://dataprotection.ie/en/search-results?p=13&s=%E7%81%B0%E9%B8%BD%E5%AD%90%E3%80%90%E7%BD%91%E5%9D%80%E6%89%8B%E6%89%93yuankong%E7%82%B9one%E3%80%91%E2%9B%94%EF%B8%8F%E5%85%8D%E6%9D%80%E8%BF%9C%E6%8E%A7%2C%E8%82%89%E9%B8%A1%E6%89%B9%E5%8F%91%E2%9B%94%EF%B8%8F%E5%85%8D%E6%9D%80%E8%BF%9C%E7%A8%8B%E6%8E%A7%E5%88%B6%E2%9B%94%EF%B8%8F%E5%85%8D%E6%9D%80%E8%BF%9C%E6%8E%A7%E6%9C%A8%E9%A9%AC%2CeuAxH&utm_source=openai))

Extra checks for Malta engagements

• Confirm whether the contracting company is a local Maltese entity or an international production company contracting via a local agent. Local company registration and VAT/contract terms differ in Malta.
• Ask who is responsible for local permits, extras coordination, and whether a local casting firm is clearing releases for international exploitation (common when the shoot is location‑driven). Recent news coverage shows international productions working intensively with local authorities and commissions; this often changes the contracting route. ([cineuropa.org](https://cineuropa.org/en/news/476666/?utm_source=openai))
• For data and privacy issues in Malta, public web resources and the government’s data information pages are the starting point; if the production is collecting sensitive data, verify whether the local data controller has notified the Information and Data Protection Commissioner. ([datainfo.gov.mt](https://datainfo.gov.mt/en/privacy-policy/?utm_source=openai))

Decision table: payroll (PAYE) vs freelance engagement

Equity guidance discusses how performers working in Ireland may sometimes be treated as employees for tax purposes and how union agreements interact with local employment law — this is a resource to consult if you are unsure. ([equity.org.uk](https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/know-your-rights/working-in-ireland?utm_source=openai))

Examples and worked run‑throughs (fictionalised)

Example 1 — Dublin short film (student/indie)

Scenario: a Dublin‑based student director approaches you for a two‑day shoot with a modest honorarium and a release that transfers all exploitation rights worldwide in perpetuity. Action: ask for the release in advance and propose a limited licence (territory: Republic of Ireland; duration: 5 years; media: festival/social/portfolio only). If the team cannot accept, insist on compensation that reflects wider rights or decline to sign a perpetual worldwide assignment. Use Equity templates or ask Equity for advice on indie contracts. ([equity.org.uk](https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/know-your-rights/professionally-made-professionally-paid/contract-checklist?utm_source=openai))

Example 2 — Malta location extra for an international production

Scenario: a casting agent in Malta posts a call for background actors and asks for passport copy and bank details to confirm booking. Action: verify the casting agent with the production company or the local fixer, request a clear written booking confirmation with payment route and privacy notice, and do not send bank details before a proper HR/payment instruction is issued. If in doubt, contact the Maltese data protection contact or ask for the contracting entity’s registration. News reports indicate international productions frequently contract local fixers; confirm who is paying and who is the legal employer during the engagement. ([cineuropa.org](https://cineuropa.org/en/news/476666/?utm_source=openai))

Glossary — plain language definitions

Release (Model/Talent release)

A written form in which a performer grants the production certain rights to use their image, voice or performance. Releases may be limited in time, territory and media, or broad and perpetual.

PAYE

Pay As You Earn: payroll system where an employer deducts tax and social insurance before payment.

Self‑employed / Contractor

A person who invoices for services and is responsible for their own tax and social insurance.

GDPR

General Data Protection Regulation — EU data protection framework that applies to the processing of personal data, including images of identifiable people. Irish DPC guidance is the national reference. ([dataprotection.ie](https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/faqs/topical-data-protection-issues/when-i-am-attending-public-event-can-organisers-take-promotional-photographs-me-without-my-consent?utm_source=openai))

Pay‑or‑Play

A contractual promise that guarantees payment to talent even if the production decides not to use them.

FAQ — direct, operational answers

Q: I got an email offering a commercial with a high fee but they ask me to transfer €200 for an ‘insurance clearance’ — should I pay?

A: No. Legitimate productions do not ask performers to pay to be cast. Pause, ask for written confirmation from the production company and a formal invoice if any fee is required for legal checks — and consult your agent or union. If you suspect fraud, save the correspondence and report it to local authorities.

Q: The casting says they need a passport scan to confirm identity before the audition — is that normal?

A: It is normal for a production to request ID for payroll, visas or if they are booking international travel, but you should receive a clear explanation and a privacy notice describing how the passport copy will be stored and for how long. Do not send it to personal emails or attachments without confirmation of the contracting party and a secure method of transfer. For GDPR rules on images and personal data, see the Irish DPC guidance. ([dataprotection.ie](https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/faqs/topical-data-protection-issues/when-i-am-attending-public-event-can-organisers-take-promotional-photographs-me-without-my-consent?utm_source=openai))

Q: I’m in Ireland but the production is based overseas — which law applies to a release?

A: The governing law in the contract should be specified. If the production is operating in Ireland (shooting, employing you onsite) Irish law and GDPR will generally have effect for data processing; international producers often select their home law in contracts for substantive issues. If uncertain, seek advice — unions such as Equity can help interpret cross‑border scenarios. ([equity.org.uk](https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/know-your-rights/working-in-ireland?utm_source=openai))

Q: Can a production use my audition self‑tape commercially without paying me?

A: Only if you granted those rights in a release. Always treat self‑tapes as material you own until you sign a release that assigns or licenses rights. Insist on purpose‑limited submissions (e.g. "for casting use only, no commercial exploitation without further agreement").

Q: Who do I contact if a company misuses my images in Ireland?

A: For data protection breaches (unauthorised publication of images), the Irish Data Protection Commission is the supervisory authority and provides guidance and a complaint process; many cases are resolved amicably after initial contact but the DPC provides enforcement powers. ([dataprotection.ie](https://dataprotection.ie/en/dpc-guidance/case-studies/objection-to-processing/unauthorised-publication-photograph-amicable-resolution?utm_source=openai))

Sources and verification

The following authoritative sources were used in preparing this article. Accessed on July 20, 2026. These pages were checked for guidance on contracts, data protection, funding, and performer rights:

• Data Protection Commission — Taking promotional photographs and personal data (DPC FAQs). ([dataprotection.ie](https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/faqs/topical-data-protection-issues/when-i-am-attending-public-event-can-organisers-take-promotional-photographs-me-without-my-consent?utm_source=openai))
• Data Protection Commission — Guidance on the use of CCTV and images. ([dataprotection.ie](https://dataprotection.ie/en/dpc-guidance/guidance-on-the-use-of-cctv?utm_source=openai))
• Screen Ireland — Production funding guidelines (rights and delivery requirements). ([screenireland.ie](https://www.screenireland.ie/funding/funding-process-and-procedure/production-funding-guidelines?utm_source=openai))
• Screen Ireland — Visas and working permits guidance. ([screenireland.ie](https://www.screenireland.ie/filming/visas-working-permits?utm_source=openai))
• Equity (UK & Ireland) — Working in Ireland guidance. ([equity.org.uk](https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/know-your-rights/working-in-ireland?utm_source=openai))
• Equity — Contract checklist and performer rights guidance. ([equity.org.uk](https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/know-your-rights/professionally-made-professionally-paid/contract-checklist?utm_source=openai))
• Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) — industry membership and guidance. ([ifta.ie](https://www.ifta.ie/academy/iftamembership.html?utm_source=openai))
• Government of Malta — Government Notice (Information: appointment of Information and Data Protection Commissioner). ([gov.mt](https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/DOI/Government%20Gazette/Government%20Notices/Pages/2026/04/GovNotices1704.aspx?utm_source=openai))
• Malta data information portal — FAQs and guidance (context for data controller practice). ([datainfo.gov.mt](https://datainfo.gov.mt/en/faqs/?utm_source=openai))
• Cineuropa — Reporting on productions filming in Malta (industry context). ([cineuropa.org](https://cineuropa.org/en/news/476666/?utm_source=openai))
• The Shift News — Reporting on Malta Film Commission practices (industry context). ([theshiftnews.com](https://theshiftnews.com/2025/01/10/film-commission-leasing-fort-ricasoli-as-film-set-location-without-title/?utm_source=openai))

Note: I consulted Equity’s public guidance for contract checklists and Screen Ireland’s production funding and visa guidance to ensure the practical contracting steps described above reflect current Irish practice. Where practical negotiation language or market behaviour is suggested, those are operational examples; they are not legal advice. For legal interpretation or tax advice in a specific case consult a qualified solicitor or your union. Estimates of market practice are explicitly labelled as estimates in the text.

Helpful ShootingMode internal resources

For casting notices, listings and registration with an industry directory, ShootingMode's own pages are useful complements to this guide:

• ShootingMode — Castings
• ShootingMode — Articles
• ShootingMode — Register
• ShootingMode — How it works

Final quick checklist (one‑page print)

1. Verify company registration and domain email. (CRO/Company or Maltese equivalent).
2. Obtain written offer/contract and release before sending sensitive data.
3. Confirm payment terms and method in writing.
4. Ask for privacy notice describing use and retention of images/CVs.
5. Consult Equity or a solicitor if the release assigns broad, perpetual rights.

Use the 20‑point checklist above as your working sheet for any new casting. If you still feel uncertain, ask for more time, call the production number on the company register and contact a union representative or the DPC for data questions.

Acknowledgements and disclaimer

This article summarises publicly available guidance from industry bodies and regulators and offers practical, operational templates and examples. It does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal or tax advice for a particular contract, consult a qualified solicitor or your union. Sources were checked on July 20, 2026 and are linked in the Sources and verification section above. Estimates about practices or market behaviour are explicitly labelled as estimates. This guide aims to help you make safer, more informed decisions when verifying castings in Ireland and Malta.