Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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65. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has had discussions with major film and TV studios on potential plans to expand their operations in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45606/23]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Irish screen sector is a growing one and Ireland’s offerings present significant opportunities to the major US studios as well as film and television companies everywhere to locate their projects here.

Earlier this year, I led a trade mission to Los Angeles and San Diego to promote the Irish screen industry, together with Screen Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the I.D.A., and the Department of Foreign Affairs. This Trade mission was part of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day programme with the aim to build on the recent critical success for the Irish screen industry and the recognition of Irish talent on the world’s stage.

During the trade mission, I had meetings with world leading US studios and production companies including Sony and Disney, representatives from Marvel, Searchlight and Lucasfilm. I also met with the Sustainability Production Alliance which includes representatives from Netflix, NBC Universal, Sony, Paramount and Disney.

The trade mission was about reinforcing the Government’s support for Irish film and artists, boosting investment, and of course promoting Irish tourist destinations in one of Ireland’s most important markets.

I have a planned Ministerial visit to New York next month to launch the National Archives Exhibition entitled On an Equal Footing with All, Ireland at the League of Nations 1923-1946that will run from 20 November -1 December 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. Among other networking possibilities and in consultation with Screen Ireland, I am examining opportunities to meet senior officials from major film production companies during that visit. More details of this visit will be announced by my Department in due course.

The Audiovisual Action Plan sets out the Government's high-level, strategic priorities over to develop a vibrant media production and audiovisual sector bringing new economic opportunities across Ireland, through increased Government support. Building relationships with major US studios and producers is a critical component of that endeavour.

Screen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise. Screen Ireland has an Industry Building Programme Manager based in Los Angeles at present to promote Ireland and Irish companies and Irish talent to the LA based film and television industry. The major film production companies are based on the West Coast of the United States and this is therefore a major focus for Screen Ireland.