Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

I also welcome this Bill, but I would dispute the assertion that it is a technical Bill, given the economic difficulty the country is in. Under the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, it is welcome that the Government is making such a visible monetary commitment to this industry, which in the past has proven its vital importance to the people of Ireland.

It has been rightly said by many Members that the Irish film industry allows Irish people to celebrate their Irishness. Unlike Deputy Griffin, who is involved in a movie in Kerry, I would not suggest for one second that I have such talents. However, we have a rich history of being at the fore of whatever artistic medium is popular at any given time, whether that is our writers, playwrights, our musicians and those involved in audiovisual productions, including movies.

While I agree with other speakers that the end should be enough - the art in itself is of such vital importance - it is also welcome that the industry provides income to so many people. I welcome the Minister's commitment and his target to allow the industry achieve €1 billion in value. The industry currently employs 6,000 people and in a country as small as Ireland, that is a significant number. I dispute the suggestion that people working in the industry are paid a pittance. One of the great aspects of the industry is the degree to which projects are spread out across the island of Ireland, especially into rural areas, where the magnificent landscape and the traditional welcome Irish people give to visiting crews add to the value that international film makers can get by choosing Ireland as a location.

Reference to the potential monetary value does not diminish the art in itself. That is a matter for the artists, the actors and the people involved in production. Irish people have excelled internationally in the arts, including in film. Allowing that to flourish, especially in the current climate, can have great potential for our economy in the broader sense. We are in a competitive world and Irish people have punched above their weight, especially agencies like the IDA, in attracting companies to invest here. Those involved in the production of films and documentaries are also bound by bottom line issues. If we can encourage and assist them to come here, that is to be welcomed and I compliment the Minister on that.

An industry has also been built up around film festivals. Several Members spoke about film festivals that exist in different parts of the country. The Cork Film Festival is perhaps the original film festival. We also have the biggest Irish French film festival in Cork. There has to be a potential in some of our twin cities around the world where Irish companies and communities could come together to showcase Irish film. We have a different type of product and I know it is of major benefit to the French film industry when they showcase their work in our cities. The Minister should encourage the Irish Film Board to look at a way where we could showcase some of the work that is done by our creative artists, which has great export potential. I commend the Bill.

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