John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

In October 2005 we confirmed an additional €1.5 million in supplementary funding for Bord Scannán na hÉireann. Via its judicious selection of projects in which to invest, this funding delivered production activity with a combined Irish budget of €28 million in 2006. So an investment of €1.5 million yielded €28 million. I would accept that return at Fairyhouse or Leopardstown racecourses any day. The additional funding achieved an excellent leverage rate of 18:1. In 2006 an additional €2 million in supplementary funding was made available to the IFB and this is expected to generate at least €32 million worth of production activity in Ireland in early 2007. That gives an idea of the value of film production to our economy.

The Irish Film Board is the major funder of Screen Training Ireland, the organisation that provides continuing training for professionals in film, television, animation and digital media. Between 2000 and 2005, an average of 630 participants have undertaken professional training in the organisation annually. A summary of the grants which the IFB has made available is available in the IFB's annual report, which we can make available to Senator Feighan. It is impossible to specify an amount for the IFB every year because that is part of the Estimates process. All we can do is bring in enabling legislation such as this every five years or so. This enabling legislation should see us through for another five years. We are increasing the amount the IFB can disburse to €200 million and it is not anticipated that it will require further legislation for approximately five years. However as a follower of film I hope we require legislation earlier.

We have tried to assist the industry as best we can. Between 2000 and 2007, Government support for the IFB has grown by 93%, ensuring security for the sector by enabling the IFB to continue support for training, production and development and the introduction of new initiatives in keeping with the development and demands of the sector. Between 2003 and 2005 an average of 740 applications were made to the IFB annually with a success rate of 25%. I have established that we are achieving value for money and IFB production investment outlays have an average leveraging factor of approximately 1:10 as the €50.02 million worth of IFB production loans for feature films, television dramas and animation between 1993 and 2005 stimulated production with combined budgets of €482.65 million. For every €1 of IFB investment during that period, almost €10 million was generated from the industry.

I acknowledge the wonderful role the IFB plays. We are excited that we have a full-time representative in Los Angeles representing the Irish film industry and trying to attract major productions into the country. When visitors to this country are surveyed, as they frequently are by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, film is the single biggest attractor cited. We should always remember this.

I noted that Senator McCarthy was involved in drama and that he has moved his talents to a bigger stage. I note that Senator Mansergh is a fan of "The Irish RM". I can envisage Senators Mansergh and Norris on the set of "The Irish RM".