John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

Last year was extremely successful for the Irish film industry. The number of certified productions at the end of the year was the highest in several years. The total certified spend last year was €202.5 million, which was a significant increase on previous years, except 2003. The section 481 amount last year was the highest in several years, at €110.8 million.

The British have changed their rules on film and offered good incentives to the industry. We are in competition with them. The Minister for Finance increased the cap to €35 million from €15 million and increased the relevant percentages, which did a great a deal for the industry. The British Chancellor, Mr. Brown, however, took a personal interest in the reliefs available there which makes it more difficult for us to compete. The question is whether to get involved in a Dutch auction, which is not the preferred option, or to see if we can enhance the co-production arrangements which we have with Britain and examine whether it is possible to reach a mutually compatible and acceptable position.

We are far ahead of other jurisdictions in terms of television production. We are the only one which offers section 481 type of relief to television production, which has resulted in some major television series being made here. I have no reason to believe that this will not continue during 2007 although I accept that, in the absence of changing section 481 to bring it into line with British laws, inward film production could be more difficult.

I understand that the ambassador, or representative, of the Irish film industry in Los Angeles is located in the Enterprise Ireland building and that he liaises with Hollywood production companies with a view to bringing productions to Ireland. I hope that this will be successful.

The future of Ardmore is contingent on the success or otherwise of the Irish film industry which I hope will continue to grow as it did in 2006. I have no doubt that there will be such growth in television production.

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