Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent of the expansion of the film industry here in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35064/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Statistics relating to the section 481 scheme, appended herewith, indicate that, with the exception of 2003, there has been a decline in film production in Ireland in recent years. The Government has taken a positive and proactive approach to support for the Irish film industry. The section 481 scheme for investment in film production has been extended to at least 2008 with the amount that can be raised increased from €10.48 million to €15 million from 1 January 2005.

The promotion of film making in Ireland and Ireland as a location for international film production is the responsibility of the Irish Film Board. My Department's funding of the board increased relative to the previous year by over 9% in 2004 and a further 22% in 2005. However, there are many factors that impact on film production that we cannot control. Unfavourable exchange rates, aggressive competition from new jurisdictions, the entry into the market of new and lower cost locations have all had an effect. Changes to incentive schemes elsewhere have also caused difficulty for the attraction of film production here.

In close consultation with the Irish Film Board, I am constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation and considering how I can best contribute. Of course, it also falls to the industry itself to optimise efficiency, control costs and offer the very best professionalism and supports to those considering making films here.