Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the details of the recent approval by the European Commission of Enhancements to the Section 481 scheme for investment in film; his views on extending the scheme beyond its current deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21029/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of films filmed on location here on an annual basis over the past five years; the efforts being made to encourage the making of films here; his plans in conjunction with the industry for development over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21050/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of films proposed or likely to be filmed here in the next four years; if he has satisfied himself regarding the adequacy of facilities or incentives to develop and promote the industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21275/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 32 and 90 together.

The promotion and support for film activity in the State and for filming in Ireland is the responsibility of the Irish Film Board, an agency which, though funded by my Department, is independent of the Department in its day-to-day decision making. Funding from my Department for the Board amounts this year to €17.126M, an increase of 7% on the 2005 figure.

My Department's direct role regarding film support relates only to the administration of elements of the Section 481 scheme for investment in film production. Details of the number of films certified under the scheme over the last 5 years are in the table.

The Section 481 scheme has recently been enhanced as follows:

∙the maximum amount that can be raised has increased from €15M to €35M;

∙the maximum percentage of a project budget that can be raised has increased from between 55% and 66% to 80%.

These changes represent the most significant ever enhancement of the scheme, and will greatly increase Ireland's attractiveness as a film making location. The European Commission has in recent days approved these changes to the Section 481 scheme.

It is not possible to say at this point in time the number of films that will be made in Ireland over the next four years.