Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in view of the fall off in the number of large scale feature films filmed here during the past two years, he will review Section 481 to provide greater incentives for film-makers to invest in the Irish film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25631/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The task of attracting international production into Ireland is dependent on a number of elements, not all of which fall within the sphere of influence of my Department or that of the Irish Film Board (IFB). Decisions to site a film project in a particular territory involve complex funding (the unfavourable exchange rate continues to affect the level of US production in Ireland), cultural, logistical and project-specific elements, all of which are crucial for a successful result.

Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions is a matter for the Irish Film Board. This agency is funded through my Department and is independent of the Department in its operations.

My Department's primary operational role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of the Section 481 tax relief scheme. The scheme is kept under review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board and any necessary amendments to retain or regain competitiveness will be addressed and brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance as appropriate. In that regard, the Department of Finance in conjunction with my Department is currently finalising a review of the case for improvement in respect of the Section 481 scheme. Consultants have been appointed by the Department of Finance and it is envisaged that their report will identify a structured way forward to develop and consolidate the Irish film industry, taking account of the serious international competition issues now apparent. The report is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.

I believe that the industry in Ireland has never been stronger in terms of international acclaim. This is evidenced by the Palme d'Or for the "Wind that Shakes the Barley," the Cannes award in 2007 for "Garage", the Oscar for "Six Shooter", the Sundance award for "Once" and two Emmys for "The Tudors". Our challenge is to build on those successes and the Film Board and I are committed to doing that.