Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the impact of Section 481 tax relief on creative industries here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53010/12]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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The entire area of development of the audio-visual industry, including the gaming sector and other digital content, was examined during the preparation of the Creative Capital report, Building Ireland's Audiovisual Creative Economy. The report was published in July 2011 and an implementation committee to pursue the execution of its recommendations has been established. One of the recommendations made in the report concerns the extension of section 481 to the end of 2020. It is currently approved until the end of 2015 and the Minister, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, recently secured EU state aid approval in this regard. A public consultation process to assist the Department of Finance in examining the operation of the section 481 scheme beyond 2015 was announced on 24 May. As part of this process, interested parties were invited to make submissions on the economic impact assessment of the operation, status and future development of the scheme. My Department was heavily involved in this consultation process and the Minister is working closely with the Minister for Finance on bringing it to a conclusion.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I am reminded of the controversy in 2008 when people involved in the film industry, in particular, were very concerned that significant changes would be introduced in the budget for 2009 to section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act. The relevant provisions were actually strengthened at the time. Does the Minister of State agree that we are seeing the manifest benefits of this in the improved quality and quantity of television, film and other audio-visual output in Ireland? I understand PwC has advocated the extension of the reliefs involved to other areas of the creative arts. Is this a suggestion the Minister of State would support and recommend to his senior colleague? Have meaningful discussions taken place between his Department and the Department of Finance on the consultations in which the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, has been involved?

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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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.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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We can all enthuse about this because it is a positive news story and that positivity is particularly evident in the area of employment. For example, the level of employment in the film and television sector during the past 20 years has risen from 1,000 to 6,000. Given that the section 481 relief is working, can we expect the Government to consider other areas where it might be made available in order that further employment might be created?

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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We are considering all areas in which value for money might be obtained. The section 481 relief provides great value for money. If there are other areas in which it might be applied, I am sure these will be considered by the Government. If the Deputy who has an obvious interest in this matter wishes to put forward proposals in this regard, beimid ag éisteacht.