Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. We all agree that the indigenous film and television production sector has a significant cultural and economic impact in Ireland. Indigenous producers preserve Ireland's rich cultural heritage and chronicle what it means to be Irish. The sector has enjoyed many successes in recent years and competes well on the world stage. However, there is a growing belief that assistance is needed, in particular in the form of increased funding for the Irish film board and the introduction of a film policy for RTE.

Does the Minister have any plans in regard to this? Is there a key area in the forthcoming culture 2025 proposals? The Minister will be aware that this allows us to create and preserve our artistic heritage in a format that has mass appeal and is viewed by large audiences across home and abroad. It is imperative that the funding and tax credits for this vital sector to which the Minister referred are preserved and increased so that indigenous producers may continue to capture and promote our national identity and attract foreign direct investment to provide high-quality jobs. Is that the commitment the Minister can and will make?

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