Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Does anybody else wish to respond? For instance, I see a significant area of possibility in the film industry selling the country, which would be of benefit to all the participants in it, including actors, producers and even extras, and their ability to avail of the opportunity to become involved in the industry and make that count. In particular, I have spoken previously, as has everybody else, about our scenery. In this country, there is almost unique scenery in various counties. Every county has very worthwhile scenery. My question relates to the degree to which we can encourage film-makers to come to this country as well as making it possible for the indigenous sector to grow and avail of the relief in order to expand the industry. This includes the expansion of employment, the industry's importance, and the skills available to those involved in the sector in a way that can be recognised internationally.

I remember, as we all do, some years ago that if we were on an airline going to anywhere in Europe, and various other parts of the world, we could not miss Irish music artists on the aeroplane's intercom, which indicates the value of Irish culture. Committee members will remember the men and women involved in that. Women artists in particular became synonymous with the country and its culture. It was a great selling point. Along those lines, I am inquiring as to the extent to which a further expansion can take place in the film industry in a way that furthers the presentation of the country at home and abroad.