Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the efforts being made to encourage Indian film-makers to shoot their films here; if he received firm commitments in this regard during his recent visit to India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8191/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The promotion of Ireland as a location for international film-making is a matter for the Irish Film Board, which is independent of Government on a day to day basis.

During my recent visit to India I attended a number of events to showcase the numerous benefits that Ireland can offer as a location for film-makers, and I met a number of Indian film-makers on whom I strongly impressed the strengths of Ireland in this context.

It would not have been realistic to expect firm commitments at this stage. These meetings were about making contacts with key players in the Indian film industry, making them more aware about the possibilities offered by Ireland as a location and opening doors which will be and are already being actively followed up by the Irish Film Board. It was a very successful visit and I would be very hopeful that it will ultimately result in Indian film-makers coming to Ireland in the future.

As a direct result of the Indian visit, Tourism Ireland and the Irish Film Board are facilitating a familiarisation trip for a group of ten to 12 Indian producers. This trip is scheduled from 29 March to 1 April.