Vol. 473 No. 3
2 Miss de Valera asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he supports the proposal put forward to him by the Irish Film Board for a levy to be placed on cinema seats to raise funds for film production; the reason for his decision to appoint a new chairperson for the film board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24917/96]
No proposal of the kind raised in the Deputy's question has been made to me by Bord Scannán na hÉireann. However, in the 1995-6 review and the 1995 annual report of Bord Scannán na hÉireann which was recently published, the chair of the board posited the view that it is necessary to make a strong connection between Irish cinema and its varied audiences and suggested that a small levy on a cinema seat could provide a secure fund for film production well into the future. The views expressed by the chair in that publication are her own.
While I found the views interesting and I am open to considering any suggestions which would fund film production in the future, I have no plans at present to implement a levy on cinema seats. It was necessary for me to appoint a new chairperson of Bord Scannán na hÉireann as, under section 13 of the Irish Film Board Act, 1980, the current chairperson had notified me that she wished to retire from this position on personal grounds. I pay tribute to the inspirational leadership she gave the board and film community during her period in office.
If the Minister reads the question carefully, he will see that I refer to whether he, as Minister, supports the proposals put forward in the 1995-6 annual review. In his reply, he says this is the view expressed by the film community. We are interested in what the Minister's view is on this and whether he could support such a proposal. If he intends to support it, how and when does he propose to initiate such a proposal?
I gave the source of the reference in the annual report.
I had that information and, unfortunately, it was nothing new.
I am sure the Deputy receives the odd little piece of new information about film if I am to judge by Fianna Fáil's recent publication.
I am interested in the Minister's view.
A cinema seat levy is in operation in two countries — Great Britain and France. The British one was discontinued although in its day it provided an advantage to the British film industry. In both cases, there are significant distinctions between, for example, the receipts from the levy and the manner in which they are distributed to the film production sector. In France, the levy avoids, for example, money going back into the treasury and having to come out again as a dedicated fund for film. Relationships between the cultural industries, the Ministers responsible and the Department of Finance are difficult in this country and that applies to whoever may wish to introduce a levy.
The circumstances are different in Ireland and that would have to be taken into account. As to the merit of the suggestion, I am not prepared to introduce it at this time, but it is worthy of examination. I have examined many aspects of it but I have no plans at present.
At last we got a reply. I am pleased to note the Minister has read the Fianna Fáil document on the film industry.
I feature in it.
Perhaps he might be able to take up some of its proposals. What I am going to say next has nothing to do with the personalities involved whether it be the present incumbent or Dr. Lelia Doolan. I concur with the Minister's view that she has done a great deal with regard to the arts and the film industry. I ask this supplementary question as a matter of principle without reference to either personality. Does the Minister agree a decision to appoint a new chairperson for the film board was sharp practice? Is it the Minister's deliberate strategy to fill positions now as he is unlikely to be in office when they become vacant?
A Cheann Comhairle, I have to seek your guidance. I have in recent times heard remarks from Deputy de Valera similar to those she has just made. I take exception to the phrase "sharp practice". It reflects on my behaviour as a Minister and it suggests I am doing something that is either dishonest or untrue. The position is that the chairperson of An Bord Scannán, Dr. Lelia Doolan, for personal and vocational reasons indicated some time ago that she wanted to move on. I wish I did not have to give these details in the House. She was replaced by a distinguished Irish film maker, Mr. Louis Marcus, somebody who was already a member of An Bord Scannán. To suggest, for example, that I will not be in office in May or June is the Deputy's right; it is speculation, but to take that and construct innuendo and an allegation from which a conclusion of sharp practice is drawn reflects badly on those who suggest to her that this is her new mode of relationship to the brief for which she has responsibility.
That is what the Minister does all the time.
It is not.
He attacks everybody else.
With regard to the reference to sharp practice, the Chair takes the view that it is a political charge and there is no personal imputation involved. I am concerned about any reflection on persons, especially persons outside the House in respect of their character, good name and reputation. I am sure that was not intended.
A Cheann Comhairle, I am sure you are aware that I prefaced my remarks. This was a matter of principle which did not pertain to either of the personalities involved. I hope the Minister still believes it is the right of the Opposition to question him on his work as Minister. Any criticism from this side of the House is based on sound principle. I raised this matter because it is one of grave concern and public interest. I still pose the question on the principle of nominating the chairperson of this board. It is not the approach that should be taken by a Minister when this vacancy would normally arise in the months of April and May when the Minister is not likely to be in Government. That is speculation, as the Minister said, but it is fair. It is a question that has been asked openly in public and I want a genuine answer from the Minister.
The Deputy's speculation is without basis. I expect to be in office for the summer——
The people may decide that.
——and into the autumn.
That is not answering the original question.
If Deputies are dissatisfied with Ministers' replies they have a remedy.
I answered the last question. Under section 13 of the 1980 Act establishing the Irish Film Board, I took the proper action.
