Written Answers - Film and Television Production.
Máirín Quill
Question:
35
Miss Quill
asked the
Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht
if he has considered the report by the independent consultancy, Indecon, in relation to the film industry; and, if so, the changes, if any, he proposes to make in response to the findings of this report.
[20882/96]
Ivor Callely
Question:
102
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht
the issues of concern, if any, which have been brought to his attention in respect of difficulties being experienced by film and television producers operating such production in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[20922/96]
Ivor Callely
Question:
103
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht
the likely developments in respect of film and television production in Ireland; the additional incentives, if any, he intends to introduce to further encourage and develop such production; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[20923/96]
Tógfaidh mé Ceist ó Bhéal Uimh. 35 agus Ceisteanna Scríofa Uimh. 102 agus Uimh. 103 le chéile.
The report of the independent consultants, Indecon, on the section 35 tax incentive for investment in film production contained four main recommendations, namely:—
— that preference should be given to support for indigenous production;
— that there should be a reduction in the overall cost of the scheme to the Exchequer;
— that the investor pool to avail of the tax incentive should be widened; and
— that consideration should be given to offer an additional incentive for production in off-peak periods.
The measures announced by the Minister for Finance in his budget last January and elaborated on in the Finance Act, 1996, responded to all four recommendations.
While I am aware that a number of film practitioners have expressed concern at the impact of the new section 35 package on the level of production in the State, the fact is that section 35 was due to expire in 1996 and I consider it a considerable achievement that I have secured the new package which will run in the period to 1999. Film producers can now make sound business decisions to proceed with projects over the next three years in the sure knowledge that the incentive will be maintained.
With regard to the future I am happy to assure the Deputy that the prospects are very good indeed. Because of transitional arrangements announced in the 1996 budget before implementation of the new section 35 package it was end-March before I commenced certification of film and television projects under the new package. Since then, I have certified six feature films, one animation series and one television project involving a total cost of production of some £23 million. Under the Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Act, 1993, RTÉ is obliged to make £7.5 million available for commissioning television programmes from the independent production sector in 1996 and this will rise to £8.5 million in 1997. I understand that Teilifís na Gaeilge will expend approximately £7 million in 1996 and in 1997 on independent commissioning.
In addition the level of applications for development and production loans from Bord Scannán na hÉirean, the Irish Film Board, has been consistently maintained this year at the high level of previous years.
I expect that there will be further prospects for additional film and television production when the proposed independent television channel is established.
Apart from the foregoing, the following factors will also serve to ensure a sound future for the film and television production sector:—
— the existence of a dedicated fund for training in the industry of some £3.58 million to 1999, which is being overseen by the National Training Committee for Film and Television;
— the continued interventions by STATCOM — the Committee of senior officials of the State marketing, industrial, cultural and film and broadcasting promotional agencies — in seeking to maximise the value added component of the industry;
— the potential of the Media II Programme of the European Union to assist the industry under the broad headings of Training, Development and Distribution; Media II has a budget of 310 million ECU and will be in operation until the year 2000.
The question of the establishment of a Screen Commission for Ireland remains my priority as a means of marketing the considerable attractions that exist to locate non-indigenous production in the State. STATCOM is considering how best this objective can be achieved in the most economic way possible.
