John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the annual financial resources given to the film industry here; if his Department has input into the way staff are recruited for film work; his views on claims in relation to same (details supplied); if he will investigate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27170/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Film Board is the independent State body, under my Department's aegis, that is charged with the promotion of film-making in the State. The Board provides a comprehensive framework of supports, both financial and non-financial. Total funding to the Board from my Department in 2006 amounts to €17.126 million.

In addition, my Department administers elements of the tax-based section 481 scheme for investment in film production. The benefits available to film producers under this scheme have recently been very dramatically increased, with the maximum amount that can be raised increasing from €15m to €35m, and the maximum percentage of a production budget that can be raised up from between 55% and 66%, to 80%. In 2005, 28 film projects were certified under this scheme, representing a total certified spend of €125.5m, and Irish spend of €63.9m. To date in 2006, 13 projects, with a total certified spend of €94.1m, and an Irish spend of €58.5m, have been certified.

I have no role as Minister in the recruitment of personnel by film producers.