Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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11. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects the film industry to grow, with particular reference to the use of this country as a film location, capturing our unique scenery, with consequential economic benefit, particularly for tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10179/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Government considers the film industry, and indeed the audiovisual industry in general, to be a very important and valuable industry and continues to work to support growth in the industry in a number of ways.In particular, Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 - the Film Tax Relief Scheme - has undergone a number of improvements, which took effect at the start of this year. The changes have been welcomed by the industry and were developed following consultations between my Department, the Irish Film Board and the Department of Finance. The intention is to ensure that Ireland remains competitive in attracting film projects.

The scheme has been extended to the end of 2020. One of the changes, for example, is to include talent from outside the EU in the definition of "eligible individual". I am confident that this will increase the attractiveness of Ireland as a destination for film investment and allow the audiovisual production sector to maintain existing jobs and create new ones.

Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, is the responsibility of the Irish Film Board. This includes assistance with locations for the making of films. The Film Board has a good track record of using Irish scenery as a major asset in attracting film makers to Ireland.

My Department is also working with the Film Board and other State agencies to see how studio capacity can be increased in Ireland to assist in future growth.

Detailed information on the supports available from the Film Board, including in relation to film locations, can be found on its website .