Brendan Smith
Question:19 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to ensure that Irish tourism benefits from the success of the film, "Braveheart". [7574/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Film Making in Ireland.
Síle de Valera
Question:48 Miss de Valera asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the measures, if any, he proposes to take to capitalise on the success of "Braveheart" at the Oscars; and the plans, if any, he has to seek to retain in this State the sets of future major films as tourist attractions. [7417/96]
Tony Killeen
Question:253 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the reason no effort was made to ensure that Irish locations used in shooting the film "Braveheart" got due recognition in order that Irish tourism will benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7626/96]
Mr. O'Sullivan
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 48 and 253 together.
Recent developments in the Irish film industry, assisted by Government incentives to stimulate investment here in film making, have added to Ireland's image as a vibrant cultural centre and provide much needed employment both for highly skilled personnel in the industry and in the local communities where the films are shot.
In addition to availing of any publicity opportunities that arise in its overseas markets, Bord Fáilte, in the light of the large number of films now being made here, is currently preparing material for a possible future publication featuring films, including "Braveheart", and popular television series which have used an Irish theme. Bord Fáilte will also consider the case for assisting any viable proposal to preserve sets where developers envisage making them into permanent sustainable tourism attractions.
The Minister understands that the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, as the certifying authority for film and television projects under section 35 of the Finance Act, 1987, is anxious that the Irish element of production is highlighted both in terms of cast and crew in each production certified. Accordingly, earlier this year he laid down an additional condition in each certificate providing that the end-credits of the production must state that the production was "filmed on location in Ireland". "Braveheart", however, was certified prior to the introduction of this condition.
It should be noted, however, in relation to the "Braveheart" project specifically, that although largely filmed in Ireland, the film had a Scottish theme. The opportunities for tourism will not therefore be as obvious as was the case with films such as "The Quiet Man" and "Ryan's Daughter", and with more recent productions such as "Ballykissangel", "Michael Collins" and "My Friend Joe".
Will the Minister agree it was obvious in advance of the Oscars that "Braveheart" would do well and that opportunities would be presented in production and so on and also in terms of tourism? He rightly stated that the story behind "Braveheart" was set in Scotland, but it was filmed in Ireland. Will the Minister agree it is unfortunate and careless of the authorities here that Scotland should reap the benefits in terms of tourism since the scenery in the film is Irish?
Mr. O'Sullivan
I share the Deputy's disappointment that we cannot capitalise on "Braveheart", but unfortunately no provision was made in that regard at the time of filming. That matter has been addressed since and I do not envisage a repetition of what happened in that case.
I disagree with the statement that we have not been able to capitalise on "Braveheart" as in areas where it was filmed there is an increase in tourism traffic. Is the Minister aware that one of the sets in "Braveheart", Dunsoghly Castle in St. Margaret's, which was previously open to the public, has been closed since the film was made because it was overwhelmed with the number of people seeking entry? Will the Minister ensure that where a location is used agreement is reached between the Office of Public Works and the owners beforehand so that we do not shoot ourselves in the foot in terms of attracting extra tourists? We should be prepared for what happens as a result of filming so that benefits accrue to the local economy. I understand negotiations are ongoing in this regard. Will the Minister say whether the problem has been resolved?
Mr. O'Sullivan
Access to locations would be desirable but much depends on the good will of the owner of the property, be it public or private, as to whether they want to provide access to the set. A problem arises in that many sets are made of plastic which does not weather well and is not durable. It is not possible to make such sets available as ongoing tourist attractions. The film with which I am most familiar is "Ryan's Daughter" where a village set on the Dingle Peninsula was demolished after filming. At the time that would have been a tremendous tourist attraction, and to this day people visit that site to see where the film was made. I will convey the Deputy's remarks to the Minister.
When the film "Michael Collins" was being made I suggested that the film set be maintained as a tourist attraction. During filming crowds of people visited that marvellous piece of modern art. It is a great pity sets are removed by film companies after filming. Where there is a decent historic set it would be to the advantage of the country, particularly in terms of tourism, that it be maintained, probably by the State. I take the Minister's point that much of the material used in film sets is plastic and would not weather well, but if properly maintained it would meet the objectives we seek to achieve.
Mr. O'Sullivan
It is a matter for the owners of film sets as to whether they should be retained, and, perhaps, agreement could be reached with the authorities here in that regard. Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo, was used for the making of a film and to this day it is a tourist attraction. One of the items on sale there is a video of the film. Unfortunately, all film sets are not of such durable quality. It is a matter for the film maker as to whether to leave a set in place and for the Government to decide if it is to our advantage to buy it.
Will the Minister bear in mind that I am referring to historic items supervised and managed by the Office of Public Works? The roof of Dunsoghly Castle, which was built in the 1400s and has proved very durable, was used as a model for the repair of Bunratty Castle. Will the Minister ensure agreements are made with the owners of film sets to make them available for the benefit of the local community afterwards?
Mr. O'Sullivan
In response to Deputy's Killeen's question about possible damage to the environment, I wish to state that some historic sites may be damaged by a large number of visitors. Even castles may be overpopulated by tourists. I recently attended a conference at which it was stated that Mediterranean countries experience the problem of too many people visiting their historic sites. For example, too many people visit the historic walkways in Britain, thereby posing a threat to the environment. These matters must be taken into account when considering access to historic sites.