Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I welcome the first visit of the Minister to America. I have asked questions about this matter on a number of occasions in the House, and it was a positive move to make. The appointment of a film ambassador would further underpin the value of our film industry. To whom would an ambassador be responsible? Would it be to the Arts Council, the Irish Film Board or, acting on the Minister's behalf, the Department? What infrastructure would be put in place to support the ambassador and what would be the status of the person appointed? Would it be a principal officer or a consul similar to those who represent us in other countries?

Will we see that type of appointment in respect of the film industry? Will the person appointed be an Irish person who is well known in the film industry and obviously has connections? Is that the person the Minister is considering or will a civil servant get the position? Obviously, this person will liaise with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland on the overall context of attracting particular films to Ireland, but I would like to know the infrastructure that will be put in place and the status of the person who will be appointed.

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