Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if and when he plans to lead a delegation to meet the film industry in America to discuss possible film productions here and the development of further productions by or with Irish film producers; and the results of such meetings. [24459/04]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I intend to travel to the United States of America to meet key film producers to promote Ireland as a location for film production. The dates for this visit have not been finalised, but I intend to travel at the time most likely to facilitate an effective outcome. Meetings of this nature can be very beneficial in raising the general awareness among producers of the advantages offered by Ireland, and in making clear the degree and nature of the Government's commitment to supporting film production in Ireland. A key part of this support is the section 481 incentive for investment in film production. This scheme has, subject to the formal agreement of the European Commission, been extended to 2008, with the amount that can be raised increasing from €10.48 million to €15 million from 2005.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of film productions proposed or planned for Ireland for 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24460/04]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's area of responsibility relates to the certification of films under the section 481 tax relief scheme. It is not yet possible to say how many films will be shot on location in Ireland for 2004 and 2005. However, a total of 16 projects have been certified to date under the scheme.