Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael)
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I thank witnesses for their informative contributions. In Mr. Stokes's written submission, he referred to the success of the music industry and the State assisting artists in this regard. He referred to the fact that there were few State supports. What is Mr Stokes's view on the artists' tax exemption? It has had a positive impact on those starting out in their music careers, although it might not benefit successful artists such as U2. Many artists have micro companies and Fine Gael is seeking to stand up for small businesses and exploring what we can do for self-employed people and how to eradicate the discrimination between the PAYE worker and the self-employed person. If a self-employed person's business fails, for whatever reason, there is a delay before he or she can claim social protection. I would like to know the witnesses' views on this regarding the creative industries. There are obvious benefits. Do the witnesses have anything to add?

Professor Singleton mentioned collaboration with businesses regarding the enterprise sector, which Mr. Hickey also mentioned. Does that include mentoring and advice? People come to me, no matter what their business, and the first issue is a business plan, mentoring, advice and how to get established. It is one thing to be creative and artistic. However one needs a business head and people need support. Enterprise Ireland has been referred to. How could the local enterprise offices, LEOs, feed into it or how would they need to be equipped regarding expertise, given that we need people with expertise to mentor these people regarding business plans? Could they play a role in the creative industries?

I agree that we need a regional spread and to have purpose-built film studios throughout the country in strategic locations. My reading of it is that it would be easier to send interested parties to the east coast, where many of our studios are. We need a regional spread, although it will be impossible to please everyone. I am from Galway, and Galway city and county council own the airport space, which includes more than 100 acres. Many people in the film industry have approached me and local city and county councillors regarding using it as a film studio and space. It would be an ideal location given its connection to Dublin via the M6 and to Shannon Airport, and we will soon have the Gort to Tuam bypass. The witnesses have outlined the benefits of the film industry regarding employment. What can we do to push for it? While we can talk here, say we want it and have lots of great ideas, everything seems to go towards the east coast because the infrastructure is already established there. What can we do to push this and help councils? The witnesses laid out some very good ideas regarding rates and what is working against the film industry coming here and setting up studios. We need to think and plan now and achieve the regional spread with all of us working together. Galway Airport would be an ideal location and now is the time to grasp the opportunity and get our ducks in a row so that we are ready. As the witnesses have outlined, the business is there if we can prepare ourselves for it.