Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, lies with the Irish Film Board which is funded through my Department and has been allocated € 18.4 million in 2011 to carry out its functions.

Under section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, tax relief is allowed for investments in certain films. The types eligible for certification are feature films, television dramas, creative documentaries and animation features. The scheme is kept under regular review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board and any enhancements considered necessary to retain or regain competitiveness are brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance, as appropriate. The scheme has been extended to the end of 2015.

The development of the Irish audiovisual industry, including incentives to build strong companies, was examined during the preparation of the Creative Capital report - Building Ireland's Audiovisual Creative Economy. The report was published in July and an implementation committee is examining the advancement of its recommendations.

See this speech in context