Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the plans he has to assist in attracting film-makers to Ireland; his contacts in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5174/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The most critical element of the Government's strategy for the attraction to Ireland of film-makers has been the extension to 2008 of the section 481 incentive for investment in film production, and the increase in the amount that can be raised from €10.48 million to €15 million from 1 January 2005. This incentive is of critical importance to international film-makers. The certainty that exists regarding the future of the scheme is also important, as long planning horizons apply to major international film productions. Not alone can producers be sure that the section 481 scheme is secure for at least several years to come, but the way in which our scheme operates, and its requirements, are already familiar to producers both in Ireland and abroad.

I have returned from a visit to the United States, during which I met the major film studios to make the case for choosing Ireland as a place to make films. While in the US, I floated the idea of basing a representative in Los Angeles to effectively communicate what Ireland can offer as a filming location. This can obviously be better achieved with the kind of relationships that can be built up through a permanent presence on the ground where decisions are made.

The Irish Film Board has responsibility for marketing Ireland as a filming location, and provides a comprehensive liaison with, and service to, prospective film-makers in Ireland. The board has received funding for 2005 that is an increase of over 20% on what was provided in 2004.