Written answers

Thursday, 17 February 2005

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

Film Industry Development

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he intends to support film production here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5494/05]

Photo of John O'DonoghueJohn 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 very important, as quite 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 what its requirements are already very familiar to producers both in Ireland and abroad.

I have just 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 also 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 type 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 promoting film making in Ireland, and for marketing Ireland as a filming location. The board has received funding for 2005 that is an increase of over 20% on what was provided in 2004.

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