Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the way she plans to capitalise on the recent success the animation industry here, with several films nominated for Oscars recently; her views on whether the animation industry is getting adequate supports from the Government and the Irish Film Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14009/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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First of all I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Richard Baneham in winning the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for his work on "Avatar". Congratulations should also go to the other four Irish nominations for Academy Awards that unluckily did not capture an Oscar on this occasion. These were wonderful achievements, against the might of the large studios, and it is something in which all of the Irish audiovisual industry can take great pride.

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 (IFB). This agency is funded through my Department and is independent of the Department in its operations. It is worth pointing out that three of the recent nominations for Academy Awards were for projects that were funded by the Irish Film Board.

My Department's primary operational role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 that provides tax relief for investments in qualifying films. A qualifying film is a film for which the Revenue Commissioners have issued a certificate under Section 481. The types of film eligible for certification are feature film, television drama, creative documentary and animation. In 2009 there were 9 animation projects supported under Section 481 with a total Irish budget of €17.7m.

An Audiovisual Content Production Industry Strategy Framework Group was established last year that will assist in providing a clear vision for the future of the industry and response to market changes. The whole area of development of the Irish audiovisual industry (including animation) will be examined as an important part of the work programme of the Group. Following the receipt of the Framework Report, which I expect to be completed soon, I will examine the recommendations in the Report to ensure that the Irish audiovisual industry has the required supports and opportunities to develop to its full potential.

I would also like to add my best wishes to the announcement earlier this week that "Camelot", a new 10 part drama series will commence filming in Ireland in the summer. This is most welcome news and will, I am sure, build on the success of "The Tudors" that has filmed here over the last few years. It is once again testament to the excellent talent which is available in Ireland, both in front and behind the camera, that a major international series like this has been attracted to these shores.