Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions is a matter for the Irish Film Board, IFB. This agency is funded through my Department and is independent of the Department in its operations.

The task of attracting international production into Ireland is dependent on a number of elements, not all of which fall within the sphere of influence of my Department or that of the Irish Film Board. Decisions to site a film project in a particular territory involve complex funding, cultural, logistical and project-specific elements, all of which are crucial for a successful result. At present, the unfavourable exchange rate against the US dollar continues to affect the level of United States production in Ireland.

My Department's primary operational role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of the section 481 tax relief scheme. This scheme is kept under regular review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board, and any enhancements necessary to retain or regain competitiveness are addressed and brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance as appropriate. The scheme was amended and enhanced in the Finance Acts of 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 and most recently in 2006. The Department of Finance, in conjunction with my Department, is currently examining a report prepared by Indecon International Economic Consultants on the case for further improvement in respect of the scheme. Indecon's terms of reference were to identify a structured and innovative way forward to develop and consolidate the Irish film industry, taking account of the serious international competition issues now apparent.

My aim is to support and encourage the Irish Film Board in its role of marketing Ireland as a film location. In 2006, the board opened an office in the heart of Hollywood in Los Angeles specifically to market Ireland as a film and television location. The role of that office is to facilitate inward production from the key United States market by building key relationships and providing a focal point for the Irish industry and talent in the United States. The industry in Ireland has never been stronger in terms of international recognition and commercial success. This is evidenced by both the critical and financial successes of films, including, for example, the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 2006 for "The Wind that Shakes the Barley"; the Oscar for the short film "Six Shooter"; the CICAE Art and Essai Cinema Prize at Cannes in 2007 for "Garage"; a number of awards at film festivals for "Once", including festivals in the USA, London and Moscow; and two Emmys for the television series "The Tudors".

Our challenge now is to continue to build on those successes and we are committed to doing so.

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