Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 3

Written Answers. - Film Projects.

Enda Kenny

Question:

136 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in regard to the making of the movie "Braveheart", the date upon which work will commence; the estimated number of permanent and temporary jobs which will be created; the estimated economic value to Ireland of the making of this movie; the nature and extent of the tax concessions arranged by him in the attraction of the project; the cost to this country of such tax breaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

The film project "Braveheart" is scheduled to commence work in Ireland on 12 July 1994. It is expected that all work here will be concluded by mid-to-end October. The concept of permanent employment is not one associated with films projects, which are once-off initiatives, but it is estimated that some 200 Irish personnel will be employed on the film between the crew and actors. In addition, there will be employment for civilian extras together with some 1,500 members of An Fórsa Costanta Áitiúil, the Reserve Defence Forces. Furthermore, the film project will involve the significant use of local services such as accommodation, car and truck rentals, horses and riding schools. These activities will have indirect employment effects and will involve substantial valued-added to the local and national economies. It is estimated that a minimum of 15 million dollars will be spent on Irish employment and services while the film project is shooting here.

It is not the practice to disclose the nature and extent of tax concessions for any identifiable project or individual. I do not propose to depart from this long-established practice in respect of the "Braveheart" project.

Enda Kenny

Question:

137 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in relation to the making of the movie "Organ Hunters", the date upon which work will commence; the estimated number of permanent and temporary jobs which will be created; the estimated economic value to Ireland of the making of this movie; the nature and extent of the tax concessions arranged by him in the attraction of the project; the cost to this country of such tax breaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I am aware of newspaper reports that a consortium of Irish and Israeli interests has proposed a series of feature films, with the first film reported as scheduled for the summer of 1995.

The Irish interests, Crescendo Concepts Limited, have approached my Department about arrangments for a co-production agreement with Israel to facilitate the production of a number of films. To date no formal proposals have been made about this specific film series. In the circumstances, the questions asked by the Deputy do not arise at this stage.