Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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7. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on her plans to grow the Irish film industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23548/15]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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This question concerns the Irish film industry and what plans and measures the Minister's Department has in place to grow it. I note that in the Action Plan for Jobs there are three relevant action points in this respect, and that action point 173 in particular talks about increasing the film industry by 1,000 new jobs this year. Will the Minister comment on this?

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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I thank the Minister for her response and acknowledge the great role played by Bill O'Herlihy in improving the psyche of everyone. His contribution to the film industry was certainly second to none.

The tax reliefs available for production companies under section 481 have contributed greatly to more productions taking place here. I acknowledge the great work the Irish Film Board has been doing under its CEO, James Hickey. It is massively committed to increasing the number of films shot in Ireland, which plays a huge role in attracting foreign visitors.

I note that the film board received €16 million in 2011, €13 million in 2012 and €12 million in 2013. I do not have the figures for 2014 and 2015. Could the Minister lay those figures before the House?

I also wish to comment on increasing the number of full-time equivalent people working in the industry, which is action 173 in the Action Plan for Jobs. Could the Minister comment further on that?

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The figure for the Irish Film Board in 2015 is €14.6 million.

There is great excitement about the potential of our film industry. We had a good meeting with Pinewood Studios. Ireland is seen as an attractive location for the industry. We have made it clear that we want to work with the indigenous and international industries. It is not just direct jobs that are provided, as there is a significant spin-off in terms of tourism. People see the landscape and want to visit Ireland because films have been shot here.

There is a target of 1,000 jobs in the industry. There are good opportunities for the film industry this year and the tax relief is proving positive. We are pleased with section 481. It is attractive.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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I thank the Minister for her response. Regarding the Irish Film Board and its remit, I note that the board is more than 20 years old. Will the Minister consider reviewing its work to determine whether it can take on an expanded role?

I acknowledge the Minister's comments on the 1,000 jobs. She mentioned that an expert group would be established to consider increasing the amount of investment in our film industry's infrastructure. When will that group report and will the Minister lay its report before the Houses?

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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I thank the Minister.