Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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280. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she and her Department continue to encourage internationally the use of Ireland as a film location, with obvious beneficial economic implications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24445/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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 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. Detailed information on the supports available from the Film Board, including in relation to film locations, can be found on its website.

The Government considers the audiovisual industry to be very important and, in addition to the excellent work of the Irish Film Board, continues to support the growth of the sector in other 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 well received and were developed following consultations between my Department, the Irish Film Board, the Department of Finance and the industry. The intention is to ensure that Ireland remains competitive in attracting film projects. The Film Tax Relief Scheme has been extended to the end of 2020 and 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.