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

I thank the 16 Members who contributed to the Second Stage debate on this Bill. Rarely is there so much interest in any Bill. That so many contributed is a sign of the huge interest in the film and audiovisual industry in this country. I thank Deputies Troy and McLellan, the spokespersons on arts for Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin respectively, for their attendance for the full debate. I thank Deputies Finian McGrath, Griffin, Mulherin, Boyd Barrett, Murphy, Connaughton, Hannigan, Conaghan, Walsh, Collins, Feighan, Donohoe, White and Corcoran-Kennedy, all of whom made good contributions and were obviously well briefed.

I will now respond to some of the issues raised. Deputy Troy raised the issue of the public capital framework and asked about the exact allocation for the Irish Film Board within the envelope available to me. Obviously, that information will be announced when the Estimates are published in a few weeks time. Deputy McLellan made a number of points. I thank her for her recognition of the Creative Capital report and her acknowledgement of the implementation body which is currently trying to put in place the various recommendations made. The report was important and was commissioned by the previous Government. However, as important is implementation of the report. The implementation group has met on three occasions. I hope to have a report from the group prior to Christmas.

Deputy McLellan also referred to North-South co-operation. I agree that this is an area wherein there can be huge co-operation. This is to some extent happening already. Two immediate examples in this regard are Cinemobile and Cinemagic. Also, filming of Good Vibrations, which was co-funded by the Irish Film Board and Northern Ireland Screen has just been completed. I agree with Deputy McLellan that access to broadband is important in the digital age and that we must invest heavily if we are to obtain quality transmission. As I stated at the commencement of this debate we are well able to translate but do not transmit too well.

Deputy Finian McGrath asked about appointees to the current Irish Film Board. I did not appoint the current board but I understand it is an effective and good board. When I get the opportunity of appointing a new board in 2013 I will appoint the best people for the job, as I have done in respect of any appointments I have made. I do not make appointments based on political affiliation, rather they are based on ability to do the job. Deputy McGrath also called on me to "up my game". I will be promoting the film industry in Silicon Valley next March. No doubt Deputy McGrath will be the first to raise issues around the cost of the trip and so on. The Deputy gave a good presentation of the 1980 Act, which is 30 years behind time.

Like other speakers, Deputy Griffin referred to the connection between film and tourism. There are a number of film festivals throughout the country. There are three film festivals in Kerry, including the Kerry, Dingle and Waterville film festivals, all of which are important. I visited Cork last Sunday week at which time I launched the Cork film festival. There were approximately 800 people in the Cork Opera House and there was a great atmosphere there. A large number of people travelled to the festival from Europe and America and many of the entrants came from Europe, America and beyond. It was very successful.

I am aware that Deputy Griffin is involved in "The Island", a film located in the Blasket Islands. It is very exciting. The Deputy referred to the impact of "Ryan's Daughter" on Kerry. It put West Kerry on the map. Deputy Mulherin referred to Dearbhla Walsh whose Emmy Award for cinematography in "The Tudors" should be recognised by all of us. It was a remarkable achievement. Ms Walsh has helped to put Irish film and animation on the map. I agree with Deputy Mulherin's remarks in regard to the connection between local areas and film making. For example some of our most successful films in this country include "The Field", which was based on a local issue, "The Quiet Man", which was based on an individual from north Kerry, Paddy Bawn Enright, although his name was changed for the film and "My Left Foot" which is also local. I acknowledge the importance of recognising local stories and of their conversion or translation into film. I also acknowledge the connection between education, film production and digital media.

Deputy Boyd Barrett stated that we appear to have produced a disproportionate amount of literary talent. I believe we punch above our weight in terms of the number of creative people we have in this country.

Section 481 was referred to. Tax foregone in 2010 was approximately €50 million. However, the benefits we have received are huge in comparison to that amount. Section 481 is similar to our corporation tax rate of 12.5% because the provisions in this section are what brings film production to Ireland. One of the reasons the series "Titanic: Blood and Steel" is being shot here and not in Northern Ireland is probably due to section 481 and the availability of funding. It is important this section is preserved. The provision may have been abused in the past but the regulations have been tightened considerably. Deputy Boyd Barrett referred to Anglo Irish Bank but I am not aware of any such abuse or circumstances of the kind to which he referred. I suggest he write to the chairman of the bank if he wishes to have further information.

Deputy Connaughton mentioned the reference in the McCarthy report to the Irish Film Board. Fortunately for the Irish Film Board, it is no longer on a list so it will survive. A list will be published tomorrow and it is only right that the film board is not on that list.

Deputy Halligan referred to our international tourism reputation which was also mentioned by a number of speakers and how his county of Meath has benefited. Deputy Conaghan raised a number of important issues. He referred to Brown Bag Productions and to Jam. I note his reference to the 1916 centenary celebrations. I am the chairman of the Oireachtas centenary group and, as he suggested, I will seek out its ideas on how the 1916 Commemoration and the anniversary of the War of Independence can be celebrated by means of film and documentaries. The Titanic anniversary falls within this period and the series is a good start. I refer to the success of "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" at Cannes in 2006. Its success shows that we have some very interesting subjects for film and that we as a country are now mature enough to be able to look at both sides of the argument as regards the Civil War. I can think of many individuals who would be very suitable subjects for documentaries or films.

Deputy Walsh made reference to the film "Braveheart" and to President Michael D. Higgins. This gives me the opportunity to recognise his contribution in this area. The production of the film "Braveheart" would not have happened in Ireland without Michael D. Higgins. As the then Minister, he organised for the Defence Forces to be involved in the filming. He provided every encouragement to the production company in order to have that film produced in Ireland. As a result, the United Kingdom changed its system of incentives for film-making because the incentives in Ireland were regarded as working very well. His general support of the film industry was critical in the formative period of the industry.

Deputy Áine Collins made a number of very good points. She mentioned how the film, "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" was made in her area and she recalled its importance for the area which included a boost for the tourism industry. She referred to the Bristol festival which is a showcase for the industry.

Deputy Feighan highlighted the significant connection between Boyle and film-making. There are very few towns in the country that could boast of connections with Chris O'Dowd, James Drury or Paul Young. I expect a proposal from Deputy Feighan for a Boyle film festival very shortly-----

See this speech in context