Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

The House is united in taking this Bill at short notice. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has outlined the successes of the Irish film industry. We have come a long way since "Ryan's Daughter". One can read as many history textbooks as one wants, but there is nothing better than the cinematic representation of historical events. This was exemplified by "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" and "Michael Collins" which acted as great tools in teaching about our history. Will the Minister relate to the Irish Film Board that more films of such historical content are welcome? They do not just inform people about our troubled history but about the beauty of Ireland. The film industry is a good source of employment and benefits the Exchequer.

When parts of "Saving Private Ryan" were filmed in Ireland, costs were lower. With rising costs, it may be difficult to attract these types of production. The Government, through tax incentives and so forth, should encourage and attract these types of productions. Ireland has become a mecca for film producers. From talking to them, they seem satisfied with the expertise available to them.

The guarantees of the Irish Film Board were originally capped at £4.1 million. Amending legislation in 1993 put that cap at £15 million, £30 million in 1997 and £80 million in 2000. The latest amending legislation is designed to replace that figure with €200 million. It seems to be awkward legislation. The Finance Act sets spending in several areas and is presented on an annual basis. Instead of the Seanad constantly amending the original 1980 Irish Film Board Act, would it be possible to include the correct and up-to-date amount as part of the Finance Act?

What is the average cost of a film production in Ireland? What grants and tax incentives have been received by film producers? There are several historical movies I am interested in pursuing. If one could get the finance, there would be assistance from various people. I support this amending legislation.