John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

When I was in the United States it was indicated to me by people in charge of major production studios that the absence of a person on the ground in Hollywood was a negative factor in terms of bringing film to Ireland. The major studios like to have somebody whom they can contact relatively quickly. They indicated to me that when locations outside the United States are considered, Ireland is one of six locations which is always given some consideration. They also indicated that it would be beneficial for Ireland to have somebody on the ground dealing with Ireland's cause in so far as attracting films is concerned. It was in that context I put forward the proposal that we should appoint a person who would be based in Los Angeles to assist the Irish Film Board in its work and to attract films to Ireland. Accordingly, I have asked the board and my officials to consider this matter.

We already have a very good commissioner of film, working within the Irish Film Board, whose job it is to attract inward productions. I envisage that he would liaise with the person who may be appointed to the post in the United States of America. The latter will be employed on a contract or agency basis. This has been done quite successfully in other jurisdictions. The person need not necessarily be employed on a full-time basis. One could describe the person concerned, in the loosest possible way and using the generic term, as an ambassador. Ireland is already represented in diplomatic circles by the ambassador to the US and also by a consul general and, in Los Angeles, an honorary consul general. I envisage that the person appointed will liaise with these diplomats in terms of attracting inward production.

We had a successful visit to the United States of America. As Members are aware, we announced during the trip that the film "Lassie" is to begin shooting in Ireland in April. In addition, I received positive indications from at least four major studies of the probability of further film production taking place here. There was a recognition of the advantages Ireland has to offer, namely, that is an English-speaking country; that our topography and seascapes are quite magnificent; that we have professional crews; that we have large number of excellent professional actors and actresses; and that there is certainty about film relief here until the end of 2008 and that the cap attaching thereto has been increased to €15 million. The latter will not change until the end of 2008 at the earliest. If it does change in the meantime, it will only do so for the better.

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