Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 403: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of films currently being filmed on location here; the file projects likely to be undertaken here in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15432/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 404: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of films in production here at present; the way in which this compares with previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15433/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 403 and 404 together.

The Irish Film Board is responsible for the promotion and support of film-making in Ireland. The board is funded by my Department, but is independent on a day-to-day basis in respect of its support decisions.

My Department does not have information on the number of films in production at any given time. However, the section 481 scheme provides a tax-based incentive for investors in film production. Some 28 projects were certified under section 481 in 2005 involving a total project spend of €125.5 million including a total Irish spend of €63.9 million. In 2006 to date, seven projects have been certified under the scheme representing a total project spend of €45.5 million and a total Irish spend of €25 million.

A summary of the statistics in respect of the operation of this scheme is given as follows.