Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this. Before I answer his question, I would like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to the late Bill O'Herlihy. Bill was the chairman of the Irish Film Board and I had the pleasure of working with him since my appointment as Minister. He was a true gentleman and a superb advocate for the Irish film industry. He was utterly committed to the role and had so many ideas and suggestions for the industry. We travelled together to the film festival in Cannes, where we met Pinewood Studios and discussed plans for Ireland. Bill was so looking forward to an exciting future for the Irish film industry. His presence will be greatly missed. I will personally miss him as a source of sound advice and would like to express my sympathies to his wife, Hilary, and to his daughters and all of his family.

The Government recognises the value of the audiovisual industry in its contribution to the economy and to employment and will continue to take measures to support the industry. Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, lies with the Irish Film Board. This includes assistance with locations for the making of films. In 2015, I approved a provision of €14.6 million for the film board, which maintained its funding at the same level as in 2014. The allocation of resources from within that provision is a matter for the film board, as the statutorily independent agency responsible for the promotion and development of the Irish film industry.

The other primary mechanism by which the Government supports the film industry is through section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 - the film tax relief scheme. This scheme has undergone a number of improvements which took effect in January this year. These changes have been very well-received and were developed following consultations between my Department, the Irish Film Board, the Department of Finance and the audiovisual industry. The intention is to ensure Ireland remains competitive in attracting film projects. The film tax relief scheme has been extended to the end of 2020 and I am confident this will increase the attractiveness of Ireland as a destination for film investment and allow the audiovisual production sector to maintain existing jobs and create new ones. In this regard, Departments and public agencies are often key in assisting film companies in providing locations and other supports for film-making.

An interdepartmental group comprising officials from my Department and other relevant Departments and agencies was also established recently to examine and report on recommendations to increase foreign and domestic investment in Ireland’s film and TV sound stage studio infrastructure in the face of growing demand for audiovisual content across multiple platforms. This builds on the process commenced last year by the Irish Film Board, which sought expressions of interest in this regard. The group has been meeting regularly since its first meeting in January of this year and its work is ongoing.

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