asked the Taoiseach if his Department have considered the submission of Film Makers Ireland, dated 14 December 1988; if he will outline his views on the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Film Company's Submission.
1.
This report is being considered in consultation with the other Departments concerned.
I am glad to learn from the Taoiseach's response that he has received the report, but what I had hoped to elicit were the Taoiseach's views with regard to the issues raised in the main proposals. What is the Taoiseach's position with regard to the main premise of the submission, that the ultimate and best solution for the development of an indigenous Irish film industry would be the establishment of a single State agency?
There are three main elements in the report. The first two involve an additional State expenditure, either in cash or in tax foregone, and the other relates to placing an obligation on RTÉ. These matters are being examined in consultation with the Departments concerned.
I appreciate that the three main proposals are the establishment of a development fund, improved tax incentives and an expansion of the responsibility in RTÉ to cover indigenous films, but the first statement in the submission is to the effect that the best solution in the long term would be the establishment of a single State agency. Has the Taoiseach a view on that matter?
No, I have not come to any decision on that. Many people favour the idea of the IDA having a role.
No, do not give it to them.
It is in the report. The Arts Council is another body that could be given responsibility. The whole thing is still under examination.
In view of the fact that the Taoiseach has acknowledged his receipt of the submission by Film Makers and that he is considering action as a result, would he not agree that the failure to make any reference to amending section 35 of the Finance Act for example means that there is no prospect of alternative seed money for the industry, which is what the industry is seeking and not commercial development money? What alternative proposals has the Taoiseach now that the amendment of section 35 seems not to be on the agenda?
The Deputy is injecting new matter into this question.
As the Deputy knows we responded to approaches from Film Makers to introduce the section which provides for certain tax concessions for the making of films and everybody acknowledges that that has had some success.
That is at post-production stage. It is the seed money they are interested in.
The provision enables people investing in film making to write it off against their tax, which is a fairly major concession. I know that an argument has been put forward that it is the seed money that is required and that what is needed is some support for scripts and the preliminary work. That is under examination.
A final and brief supplementary, Deputy McCartan.
In view of the good worth-while proposals in the submission from Film Makers Ireland and their urgent request for meetings, will the Taoiseach assure the House that meetings will be arranged with the Departments considering the different aspects for the personnel involved? I appreciate that the structures require a number of different Departments to look at it, but Film Makers are seeking an opportunity to meet the Departments and advance their case further. Will the Taoiseach assure the House that that will happen?
The key Department is the Department of Finance. I am sure it can be arranged for them to be met at official level.
The Department of Communications and indeed the Taoiseach would be involved with regard to the development fund.
I know nothing.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 2, please.