Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 22 May 2024

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media

Support for Development of Regional Film and Television Production: Discussion (Resumed)

Mr. Paul Cummins:

There are a couple of things here. There is Ireland's position vis-à-vis the international market. For example, in the UK, there is now a tax credit of up to 40% on budgets up to £15 million. We suggest that the Irish tax credit be increased to 40% on budgets up to €20 million, which is slightly more but would give us a competitive edge, at least. We suggest that applies to the whole country, if necessary, because we have this regional aid map problem. The other point is on how we support regional producers because they are ultimately people rooted in their regions. It is in our interest to bring the projects in. Everyone then benefits from that. It is support for regional producers. I somewhat disagree with Mr. Hickey on his suggestion that Screen Ireland has a fund. That, by definition, would be discretionary and brings uncertainty to producers in the regions. It could come down to whether someone likes a script, the director, the writer or whatever. That would cause delay and uncertainty. I disagree with Mr. Hickey a little bit on that. The tax credit has the benefit of certainty, provided one complies with all the conditions.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.