asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will make a statement on the reported employment of a London firm of consultants to advise on the Irish film industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Irish Film Industry .
5.
: It is not correct that consultants have been employed by me to advise on the Irish film industry. However, I did engage consultants to advise on possible methods of making the National Film Studios of Ireland viable. The consultants, a London firm, were awarded the assignment following the usual system of competitive tendering.
: Has the Minister any legislative proposals or amendments to bring forward to the House at this stage in relation to the industry, or has he any comment to make on that aspect?
: That is a separate question.
: Has the Minister received any inquiries?
: I would hope to be in a position to publish legislation later in the year, but it will be in the autumn.
: Is the Minister saying that he is engaging these consultants to advise specifically on the Ardmore Studios but not on the future possibilities for an Irish film industry in general?
: No, they advise on possible methods of making the National Film Studios of Ireland viable which they are not at the moment. In the course of their advice they have made suggestions in a broader area than simply those studios alone.
: Would the Minister consider either making the consultants' advice public or communicating pieces of it, some of which might be of interest to people concerned with the development of the film industry here?
: I will consider that, but I have not had it very long yet. It is being studied in the Department.