Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 804: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a matter (details supplied). [30262/09]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 806: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the measures he will take to ensure that foreign investors will continue to look on Ireland as a viable, attractive location for the production of feature films; the efforts being made in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30712/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose taking Questions Nos. 804 and 806 together.

The proposals in the Report of Special Group on Public Sector Numbers and Expenditure Programmes (McCarthy Report) have not been adopted by the Government as policy but will be considered in the context of the 2010 estimates debate. I would like to assure the Deputy that in the ensuing debate I will be articulating the benefits to Ireland of having a vibrant film industry.

As you are aware, the Section 481 film tax relief scheme was extended until the end of 2012 with significant enhancements in the two Finance Acts in 2008. Approval from the European Commission to the extension and the enhancements was obtained in March of this year and the Minister for Finance subsequently signed the commencement orders on 16 March. Clearly, this shows a long term commitment by the Government to the Irish audiovisual industry. Furthermore, the recently published Report of the Commission on Taxation recommended that the Section 481 scheme should be continued. I want to reiterate that I remain fully committed to the Section 481 scheme, the Irish Film Board and the Irish audiovisual industry.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 805: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of persons employed by the Film Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30451/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The number of persons currently employed by the Irish Film Board is sixteen. The Chief Executive is supported by staff in the following areas – Business Affairs, Production & Development, Marketing, Irish Film Commission and Administration.