Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy about the importance of maintaining the credibility of our film industry and of Ireland as a location for making films. On several occasions in Dáil Éireann the Minister has outlined the benefits accruing to Ireland from having a vibrant film industry and the crucial role of the Irish Film Board. The Minister welcomes and supports the commitment in the renewed programme for Government to the continuation of supports for Irish film making. The Minister has also pointed out that the recommendations of the special group on public sector numbers and expenditure programmes, which call for the abolition of the Irish Film Board, have not been adopted by the Government as policy but rather are proposals for consideration in the context of addressing the current budgetary challenges. My understanding of the passage read out by the Deputy - this is true throughout the programme, whatever the subject - is that care should be taken in general not to pre-empt budgetary and Estimates decisions. As the Deputy knows, one of the starting points for the Estimates process is what is popularly known as the an bord snip nua report; however, while it may start there, it does not end there. I would not read too much into the wording of the report, given what I have outlined.

With regard to the convention centre, good progress is being made. The OPW is heavily involved. The Convention Centre Dublin is well advanced and on schedule to open in September of next year. Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the Dublin Convention Bureau are working closely with the operators in marketing the centre and there are already 24 confirmed events, which are expected to have a significant impact on tourism business. Neither in deputising for the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism nor in my own capacity as Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW have I been made aware of any difficulties of the type to which the Deputy refers.

See this speech in context