Ivor Callely
Question:81 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the steps, if any, he will take to encourage and develop the Irish audio-visual sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9983/95]
Written Answers. - Audio-Visual Sector.
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Question No. 46 of 19 May 1994, columns 1837 to 1838 of the Official Report for that day, and Question No. 30 of 2 March 1995, columns 143 to 144 of the Official Report for that day.
As is clear from these replies, I have already put in place a comprehensive package of policy measures to promote the Irish audiovisual sector. The combined impact of these new policy initiatives has led to a significant increase in film and television production in Ireland. It is my intention that the momentum which has been created in the industry will continue in the future.
My Department is currently in negotiation with FÁS regarding the implementation on my behalf of a national training strategy and interlinked initiatives for the film and television sector as a result of a study of the training needs of the sector by FÁS on behalf of STATCOM. This strategy will involve the use of funds for audiovisual training within the EU Operational Programme for Industry which are at my disposal as well as FÁS mainstream funding.
In addition I have argued strongly at EU level for additional resources for this sector under the MEDIA programme. The Commission are now proposing a MEDIA II programme which will involve the provision of 400 MECU to this sector up to the year 2,000. Discussions at official level on the programme are ongoing at present and I will be arguing strongly that whatever measures are adopted under this programme are fair to smaller countries such as Ireland.