Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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48. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of work to provide updated regulations for section 481 tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8873/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Section 481 TCA 1997 provides a 32% payable credit for eligible expenditure on film production in Ireland. It is available to Irish and international film production companies that are resident in the State or in an EEA State and carry on business in the State through a branch or subsidiary.

A number of significant changes were made to the credit as part of 2018 Finance Bill process. In recognition of the nature of the production cycle and the long lead in times needed for productions to be undertaken, the credit was extended from its original end date of 31 December 2020 to 31 December 2024. Additionally, it was legislated to require production companies to apply for payment of the tax credit under the self-assessment system. This brings the operation of the credit within the normal penalty and prosecution provisions for incorrect claims. The application process has also been divided between the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, it is envisioned that this will in particular contribute to alleviating the much publicised delays being experienced when applying for the credit.

Revenue is currently bringing forward the Regulations which are necessary to give effect to the aforementioned Finance Act 2018 amendments. The Regulations must be introduced with the consent of both myself and my colleague, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and I understand that officials in both Departments are currently reviewing the relevant drafts with a view to providing final drafts for signature in early course.

Finance Bill 2018 also provided for a new short-term, tapered regional uplift, commencing at 5%, for productions being made in areas designated under the State aid regional guidelines. The regional uplift was introduced subject to State aid approval and the notification process is currently under way.