The Iftas, the Irish Film and Television Academy Awards, are to continue in a new format this year and will be televised by TV3.

The awards will for the first time be presented in two ceremonies.

The Ifta Film and Drama Awards are to be held on May 24th; the Ifta Television Awards will be held in October.

Following criticism of technical difficulties at last year’s ceremony, it has been announced the May event will not be screened live.

The Iftas had looked in jeopardy when, late last year, RTÉ announced it would not be broadcasting the event again.

Asked about the Irish Film Board’s commitment to the awards earlier this year, its chief executive officer James Hickey commented: “No funding decision has been made as regards the Ifta awards ceremony in 2015.”

But Aine Moriarty, chief executive of Ifta, made it clear negotiations were continuing with an unnamed broadcaster.

After the announcement of this year’s arrangements, she said: “The Academy is delighted to be working with TV3 as the awards broadcast partner for the first time, and welcomes TV3’s enthusiasm for showcasing Irish creative talent.

“Having reviewed and consulted with industry and other academies, we have split the awards into two ceremonies to reflect Ireland’s vibrant growing industry, and TV3’s support will ensure that the Irish public can join with us in acknowledging the great work being achieved.”