Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has had any discussions with the Department of Finance regarding the extension of tax reliefs to encourage the gaming industry here. [16609/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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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 in its day-to-day operations.

My Department's operational role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. Under that provision, tax relief is allowed for investments in qualifying films. This involves the administration of certain elements of the scheme regarding satisfying cultural criteria. The types of film eligible for certification are feature film, television drama, creative documentary and animation.

Currently, the Irish Film Board has no role in relation to the gaming industry. Similarly, Section 481 relates to film production only.

The Section 481 scheme is kept under regular review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board and any enhancements necessary to retain or regain competitiveness are addressed and brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance, as appropriate. The scheme has now been extended to the end of 2015.

As I have mentioned in this House previously, I am finalizing a five-year strategy for the sector that, among other issues, will address the most appropriate supports to develop the convergence between the audiovisual content industry and the games industry.

I hope to bring this strategy to Government in the coming weeks and, under the circumstances, do not feel it is appropriate to comment further at this time.