Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As stated, consultations between the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, and the Minister for Finance on section 481 are continually taking place. I agree with the Deputy that section 481 makes a major contribution to the economy. I understand some 15,000 people are employed in the audio-visual and creative arts. This brings huge revenue into the country. It also leads to a certain status and recognition being bestowed on Ireland abroad. To date in 2012, some 47 projects have been approved for funding. The Irish spend in this regard is €129 million. In 2011, 58 projects were approved for funding and the Irish spend in respect of these was €119 million.

There are many projects in the works about which we will hear more in the future. Among the major projects approved for funding to date this year are "Vikings" - or Lochlannaigh - which should be an interesting project and on which €25 million will be spent; "Ripper Street" - I am not sure what this is about, but I have an idea - on which €10.7 million is being spent; "Quirke", on which €7.3 million will be spent; and "Foyle's War", on which €5.9 million will be spent. These are among the many creative projects being worked on in Ireland by the 15,000 people to whom I refer. This must provide adequate proof that there is value for money on offer. I am glad that the section 481 scheme has been extended to 2015, with the possibility of further extensions in the future. I cannot say any more than that at this stage.

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