Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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241. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which various filmmakers continue to be attracted to filming on location here; whether she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of facilities available for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32690/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am satisfied that Ireland continues to be an attractive location for filmmakers, as witnessed by the recent filming carried out for Star Warsin Co. Kerry. The Government considers the audio-visual 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. 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 audio-visual production sector to maintain existing jobs and create new ones.

In terms of studio infrastructure, I am aware of a number of proposals by the sector to increase the facilities available here. In addition, an Interdepartmental Group on the Audio-visual Sector has been established to examine and report on recommendations to increase foreign and domestic investment in Ireland’s film and TV sound stage studio infrastructure in the face of growing demand for audio-visual content across multiple platforms. The Group reports to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs. Work is ongoing and a number of proposals are currently under consideration to continue to assist the development of the audio-visual sector.