asked the Taoiseach, given the potential for an Irish film industry, if he will state whether any progress is being made on the consideration of measures to encourage further investment in film making; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Irish Film Industry.
35.
There has been a lengthy history of film making in Ireland from the turn of the century onwards. It is, however, only since the establishment of Bord Scannán na hÉireann in 1981 that this country has had what might correctly be regarded as an Irish film industry.
Since the establishment of the board, some 40 films in total have been made with the assistance of the State through its capital grant to Bord Scannán na hÉireann. Of these, seven were full-length feature films, with the balance being a variety of short fiction, documentary, experimental and training projects.
As film making is commercial as well as cultural by nature, it is appropriate that Irish investors be encouraged to treat film making as an appropriate medium for investment. In the course of production, film making offers considerable employment opportunities as well as ancillary benefits to service industries. The Irish film industry also has potential for import substitution, foreign currency earnings, and offers the potential of promoting a favourable image of Ireland abroad.
Bord Scannán na hÉireann and the Irish film industry in general are keenly aware of the need to attract additional Irish private sector investment to underpin the development of the Irish film industry. The board has very recently submitted to my Department a detailed proposal designed to encourage such investment. This proposal is currently being studied by my Department in consultation with the Department of Finance and I am hopeful that positive initiatives will ensue in consequence.