Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 5

Written Answers. - Initiatives for Film and Television Industry.

Ivor Callely

Question:

87 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht what progress, if any, has been made in the negotiations with FÁS regarding the national training strategy and interlinked initiatives for the film and television sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3252/96]

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

The national training strategy for the independent film and television production industry is being based on the STATCOM report entitled "Training Needs to 2000" which was carried out by a project team in FÁS and was launched by me on 28 June 1995. STATCOM is the committee of statutory bodies addressing the remaining obstacles to the full development of the film and television industry, on which my Department is also represented.

At the launch of the report, I announced the establishment of a strategic alliance between my Department and FÁS and the establishment by FÁS of a national training committee for film and television production, representing a wide range of interests under an independent chair. The committee reports to the board of FÁS.

The primary responsibility of the committee, on which my Department is represented is to oversee implementation of training for the independent film and television production sector within the audiovisual industry in Ireland and in accordance with the recommendations of the STATCOM report. Over the next four years the committee will put in place and approve the expenditure of dedicated funds of £2.58 million, which had been allocated in the EU Operational Programme for Industrial Development 1994-1999 for film and television training. These funds are being supplemented by FÁS mainstream funding of a further £250,000 annually, subject to demand. The committee will also co-ordinate training in this area which is funded from other sources.

By liaising closely through STATCOM with other statutory agencies, the committee will ensure integration of the training strategy with other support measures for the Irish audiovisual industry.