Ivor Callely
Question:46 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the proposals, if any, he has to develop the Irish film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Irish Film Industry.
The Deputy will be aware that since my appointment as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht only some 16 months ago, I have, with the full co-operation of my colleagues in Government, already put in place an integrated package of policy measures to promote the Irish film and television production industry. As I have already indicated in a reply to parliamentary questions tabled by Deputies Peadar Clohessy and Liz O'Donnell on 14 April last, these measures include the re-establishment of Bord Scannán na hÉireann; the enactment of broadcasting legislation to link RTE commissionings with the independent production sector; the decision to establish a new television service, Teilifís na Gaeilge; significant additional tax incentives including a specific provision aimed at indigenous low budget film projects in the Finance Bill, 1994; continued support by An Comhairle Ealaíon for film organisations and Film and Video Awards; support for Údarás na Gaeltachta for the establishment of audiovisual production companies in the Gaeltacht; participation in the EU MEDIA Programme; and funding by the Government towards EURIMAGES, the Council of Europe's film fund.
Given this integrated package of policy initiatives, I would suggest to the Deputy that the scope for further proposals for the development of our film industry has been correspondingly reduced. However, the Deputy can rest assured that I remain open to pursue further initiatives to remove any remaining obstacles to the full development of a vibrant and sustainable film and television production industry in this country. To this end, I have established a new committee, named STATCOM, comprising senior officials of the State agencies dealing with the industry and my own Department. STATCOM have identified a number of issues requiring possible further attention by the State sector, including the unmet training requirements of the industry; the need or otherwise for a national film commission to promote Ireland as a location for film making; the need for more extensive post-production facilities in the State; banking facilities, and film distribution structures. STATCOM has already begun to assess the unmet training requirements of the industry, and this exercise will be completed by end-September. STATECOM is the forum which will advise me over time as to whether further initiatives are required and I will give careful consideration to any proposals which the committee may put forward on this subject.