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

It depends on how one defines the figures. If one accounts for the broader animation sector, the television sector and the film sector together, it is different from accounting for the latter alone. There is considerable employment in the television drama production sector. "Ripper Street" will be returning. Filming of "Penny Dreadful" has concluded in Ardmore. It was very successful. "Vikings" was filmed in Wicklow and another series is to be made here. It created considerable employment. The production of a number of films is ongoing. We have had some very good successes recently. "Calvary", for example, is having a major impact, and "The Stag" has been recognised. The premiere of "Frank" will be held shortly and it is receiving major recognition. The industry is very vibrant at present. In the Creative Capital report, the objective is to increase the number employed in the broader industry to 10,000 and the income derived from the industry to €1 billion. Apparently, we are making progress in this regard. The last figure I received was approximately 6,500.

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