Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair and welcome our guests today. I apologise for missing the opening statements and earlier questions as I was speaking in the Dáil Chamber. Forgive me if I am going over ground that has been covered already.

I want to ask about issues that were touched on by the Chair but first I want to ask about cinema attendances. When do the witnesses envisage that we will get back to pre-pandemic levels? I am aware that every industry has different forecasts for when they will get back to 2019 levels. Do the witnesses have any idea or estimate on when we will see that?

On the regional spread of the industry how do we encourage filming in all regions and how do we encourage economic activity related to film in all regions of the country? Coming from Kerry I am aware that we are lucky to have a gorgeous and unique landscape. We have been very fortunate over the years with loads of high-profile films, domestic and international. How do we try to spread that to all areas of the country?

Ms Bergin spoke about Screen Ireland's collaboration with various State agencies. I am aware that Screen Ireland's collaboration with Tourism Ireland is incredibly fruitful and mutually beneficial. Does Ms Bergin envisage this continuing into the future or are there other new projects in the pipeline that she is able to tell us about?