asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, as a result of a speech made by Mr. John Huston, the film director, about the setting up of an Irish film industry, he has ordered an urgent examination of this matter; if he will state the Government Departments concerned in the examination; when he hopes to have a report; if such report will be laid before the Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Film Industry.
141.
I have issued invitations to a number of interested and qualified persons to act on a committee which will examine the problems involved in the setting up of an Irish film industry and which will advise me as to how these can be solved. I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the names of the members of the committee.
The Government Departments which will be represented on the committee, in addition to my own Department, are the Departments of External Affairs and Finance.
I am not in a position to indicate when the committee's report will be available. Consideration will be given to making copies available to the House.
May I take it the Minister will not overlook having the Ardmore Studios represented?
Yes. This will not be overlooked.