Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo Senator Boyhan's call for a debate on rail infrastructure. In the context of the all-island strategic rail review, which is due to be published imminently, a full debate in this House would be welcome. I will also talk about regional development but first, I will speak about the question of the regional uplift for film, television and animation production. This applies to any production that occurs outside Dublin and Wicklow. It has helped the development of content creation in the regions, allowed those who are working in this sector to hone their craft and encouraged producers to move outside the greater capital area in order for filming and content creation to take place.

While the regional film uplift was only introduced a number of years ago, it was starting to gather momentum before Covid interfered to a certain extent. There are no guarantees the regional uplift will continue. While the Government extended section 481 relief and the film tax incentive in the budget, which was very welcome, no statements were made on the regional uplift. If we are to see greater levels of film and television production, as well as animation creation, outside of the greater Dublin area, the regional uplift needs to be continued. Its continuation has been sought by Screen Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, the Writers Guild and all of those operating in the industry.

I ask the Leader to write to the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, to ask if it is the Government's intention to continue with this very worthwhile initiative and that have a broader debate on film, television and animation production in Ireland.