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

The group has met a number of times. An interdepartmental group comprising officials from my Department and other relevant Departments and agencies, it is to examine and report on recommendations. It has not yet produced a report on how to maximise the opportunities that the film industry can provide in Ireland, but as soon as it does, I will be happy to publish that.

The CEO of the Irish Film Board is Mr. James Hickey, who has a great knowledge of the film industry. I was impressed by his international contacts when I was in Cannes to speak at an Irish film industry event. Making contacts at an international level is beneficial, as the large number of co-productions is useful. The film "The Lobster" won the Jury Prize at Cannes. It received funding from the Irish Film Board and represents a great boost. The well known Irish actor, Mr. Colin Farrell, starred in it. Its producers, Mr. Ed Guiney and Mr. Andrew Lowe, were present. The Jury Prize was a major award to receive. Cannes presented significant opportunities. I was impressed by the contacts and level of knowledge that Mr. Hickey had and by how we punched above our weight, as we do in many fields. It was encouraging.

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