Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

I suppose it is part of the national narrative at the moment that we are promoting the arts, be it film or whatever.

Before my time, a good report on the creative industries was drawn up under previous Ministers, and the recommendations were to double the number of people involved in film and the audio-visual sector to 10,000 and to double the money from €0.5 billion to €1 billion. That report was there when I came into the Department, but I got the Cabinet to accept it and, more important, I put in place an implementation body that will implement the recommendations. It is no good having a report if it is not implemented. I hope we will now be able to meet those targets over five years.

Regarding Senator Bacik's point, I would love to come back to the House and outline what progress I am making on my commitments and objectives. I would also be delighted to discuss projects that Senators would like to see encouraged. If projects or proposals come from the Seanad, I would be delighted to promote them in whatever context I can.