Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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513. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will comprehensively review the funding allocation for the film industry, including the Irish Film Board, given its impact on regional development strategy and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3119/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Funding across the public service was severely impacted by the economic crisis, including the funding which the Government was able to provide to the Irish Film Board. With economic recovery, I have however, been able to provide some additional support to the Film Board, including additional funding of €500,000 in 2016. The allocation to the Film Board in 2016 is almost €14.5m, which shows an increase of 3.6% from last year.

This increased investment will help to maximise the benefits brought about by the Government’s enhancement of the Section 481 film tax credit system, including the decision to increase the cap for eligible expenditure on film projects to €70 million, as announced as part of Budget 2016.

My aim is to further enhance the supports for the Irish film industry as the economy continues to improve.