John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

The issue of young Irish film makers was also brought to my attention by Deputy McGuinness who said there is a major problem with funding for them. Deputy Wall has buttressed that argument here today. On the previous occasion the matter was raised by Deputy McGuinness, I referred it to the Irish Film Board. Following Deputy Wall's intervention now, I will again refer the issue to the board to see if progress can be made. In the final analysis, funding of young Irish film makers is a question for the Irish Film Board whose budget was increased by 20% this year. I will refer the Deputy's query to the board.

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