Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

79. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures being taken to boost the domestic and international film industry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39783/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Screen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. Screen Ireland supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects.

Screen Ireland also supports the Irish screen industries at major international markets and festivals, promotes inward investment, the use of Ireland as a location for international production and provides support for companies filming in Ireland. It also liaises with IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland to maximise opportunities for the promotion of Ireland as a location for film productions as well as a tourism destination.

In June 2018 I launched my Department’s €200m Audio-visual Action Plan. The industry-wide, long-term plan, under the Creative Ireland Programme, will support the Government’s ambition to enable Ireland to become a global hub for the production of Film, TV drama and animation.

This Plan is informed by and accompanied by the publication of the Olsberg/SPI with Nordicity Report which sets out a detailed economic analysis of the audiovisual sector and provides an invaluable framework for the growth of the industry over the coming years.

A steering group has been set up which will prioritise measures, oversee implementation and monitor risks, and will report regularly to me as Minister

In April of this year, I was joined by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance in launching my Department's sectoral Plan - Investing in Our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 – 2027.This capital investment plan provides for funding of €200m to be invested in media production and audio visual industries through Screen Ireland over the next 10 years which will have a positive impact right across the country.

Finally, of course, the Government continues to support the industry through the generous Section 481 tax credit provided.