Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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97. To ask the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to extending the highest 5% rate of the regional film development uplift for claims made after 31 December 2021; if there are similar or alternative proposals to encourage film production in regional areas as part of the film tax credit section 481; if additional supports can be considered to help expand and develop the increased level of film production taking place in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54418/21]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Section 481 provides relief in the form of a corporation tax credit related to the cost of production of certain films. The scheme is intended to act as a stimulus to the creation of an indigenous film industry in the State, creating quality employment opportunities and supporting the expression of the Irish culture.

Finance Act 2018 introduced a short-term, tapered regional uplift for productions being made in areas designated under the State aid regional guidelines. The purpose of the regional uplift is to support the development of new, local pools of talent in areas outside the current main production hubs, to support the geographic spread of the audio-visual sector.

The uplift originally provided an increased level of credit for four years, with 5% available in years 1 and 2 (2019 and 2020), 3% available in year 3 (2021), 2% available in year 4 (2022). However in recognition of the detrimental impact the COVID-19 crisis had on the audio-visual sector Finance Act 2020 amended the regional uplift to provide for an additional 5% year in 2021, in effect to replace the incentive year lost as a result of the COVID-related public health measures. The tapered withdrawal of the uplift then restarts, reducing to 3% in 2022, 2% in 2023, and Nil thereafter.

There are currently no plans to extend the availability of the regional uplift at the rate of 5%. In addition, there are currently no additional alternative proposals for regional specific changes being considered in the context of Section 481. However I would note that the main film tax credit will remain available to qualifying productions in all areas of the country following the winding-down of the uplift.