John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

International film production is now very big business. A Review of Film Production in Ireland, published recently by the audiovisual federation of IBEC, shows that in 2003, total funding for 179 productions in Ireland, comprising feature films and major TV dramas, independent TV production and animation, came to €320.2 million. The United States was the largest source of non-Irish funding contributing €145.8 million, or 46% of total funding.

During my recent visit to the United States, I visited all the major studios and made the case for Ireland as a location for film-making. I am aware that there are competitive pressures coming to bear on the effort to attract international film productions, particularly from economies where wage rates and other costs are far lower than in Ireland. However, we also have advantages, such as our use of the English language, our historical links, particularly with the United States, the very high skill and experience levels of our film professionals, our relatively low level of bureaucracy and the variety of locations available within quite short distances of one another. The Government has done its part in that film producers now have certainty as the section 481 scheme has been extended to 2008, with the amount that can be raised increasing substantially from €10.48 million to €15 million with effect from 1 January 2005.

In short, I believe we have a great deal to offer to international producers, but it is critical that this is effectively communicated, that personal and organisational relationships are developed that will allow us to best understand how international producers make decisions on location and that we respond most effectively to their needs. Our strengths may not always be immediately evident to someone looking at Ireland from outside as a possible location, but these strengths are very significant and must be properly explained. It is for that reason I suggested, when I was in the US, that it would be useful to appoint a person who would be based in Los Angeles, at the centre of global film production, to make sure that the case for Ireland is made in the best possible way.

I have asked my officials to explore this in conjunction with the Irish Film Board, following which I will determine how best to take this initiative forward.

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