Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

This gives the Minister the opportunity to bring in new reforms through a transparent and accountable appointments system, a basic requirement in any democratic society. We need the best people for the film board.

The film board's main objectives are to promote the creative and commercial elements of Irish film-making and film culture to a home and international audience. It supports film projects through the provision of development funding and also provides production finance by way of debt-equity investment.

The "Love-Hate" programme currently on RTE depicts excellently the horror of the drugs crisis and gangland killings that occur in our country. This realistic programme is a wake-up call for everyone. It should be watched by everyone over 18 years of age because it is the reality for many people across Dublin city. Once again, the film industry has an impact on those who may not normally watch news and current affairs programmes by highlighting the horrors of gangland killings associated with cocaine and other drugs.

The film board must also encourage the development and training of technical, artistic and production personnel as a means of improving the overall skills proficiency within the industry. It has achieved this to an international standard over the past six years. I commend all the staff involved in this regard.

Another of the board's objectives is to assist the production and marketing of Irish films in Ireland and abroad as a means of stimulating an interest in Ireland, Irish culture and Irish films. As was seen at the recent global Irish summit in Dublin Castle, many people abroad have Irish connections and are willing to come up with economic recovery ideas. While we may not have the sun, we do have culture and the landscape which provides a different type of holiday. Many tourists who visit here will explain these are the reasons for their visit.

I would like to see more enthusiasm from the Minister on pushing this agenda. I want to see turnover in the audio-visual industry doubled to over €1 billion from its current €500 million.

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