Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his ongoing plans for the development of the film industry having regard to competition from other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20538/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department supports the film industry in Ireland at a number of levels. The Irish Film Board, an independent statutory agency under my Department's aegis, provides a broad range of supports for all stages of the industry, from up-and-coming producers to more well-established players operating at the international level. The board is also responsible for overseas marketing of Ireland as a filming location. My Department's support for the Irish Film Board increased from €11.85 million in 2004 to €14.45 million in 2005, an increase of 22%.

My Department also has responsibility for section 481 of the Taxes (Consolidation) Act 1997 incentive for investment in film production. This incentive is a critical part of what we can offer international film producers, and it has now been extended to at least 2008, with the amount that can be raised increased to €15 million per film from 1 January 2005.

I am aware that residual difficulties remain because of the euro-dollar exchange rate, and increasing competition from lower-cost jurisdictions. My Department and the film board will be carefully monitoring this situation as it develops with a view to ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive location in which to make films.