Vol. 457 No. 7
138 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has to curtail section 35 tax breaks in relation to film production in Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the British Government may be considering introucing its own version of this tax break; his views on the likely effect of any such move upon the Irish Film Industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16134/95]
Relief for investment in films under section 35 of the Finance Act, 1987, as amended, expires for individuals on 5 April 1996 and for companies on 31 March 1996. The section 35 incentive is currently under review by independent consultants appointed by me in consultation with the Minister for Finance. Their conclusions will contribute to the decisions on budgetary policy in this area for 1996 and thereafter. Therefore it is too early yet to anticipate whether any changes will be made to the scheme.
It would be inappropriate for me to speculate or comment upon any policy measure in this area which might be taken by the British Government. The Irish film industry is founded on a solid base involving a range of incentives notably our section 35 scheme and I am confident that it will continue to compete successfully in the international marketplace.
