Máirín Quill
Question:39 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the further proposals, if any, he has to boost the Irish film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12581/97]
Written Answers. - Irish Film Industry.
This year's Finance Bill includes three new measures to strengthen the Irish film industry. These new measures are as follows:
a doubling of the limit on the amount of section 35 investment that can be raised for any one film from £7.5 million in peak production periods to £15 million, and from £8.25 million in off-peak production periods to £16.5 million, subject to the proviso that at least half of these investments are sourced from corporations;
a year-round uplift of 10 per cent on the amount that can be raised under section 35 for producers who locate their post-production in the State; and
an increase in the limit on investments by corporates from £6 million to £8 million per annum, with the proviso that £5 million of this £8 million must be invested in film projects not exceeding £4 million, subject to a maximum investment of £3 million in any one project.
In addition, I have recently announced my intention to establish a screen commission to facilitate film-making in Ireland and to market Ireland as a first class location for film production.
I am satisfied that the package of measures now in place will ensure a vibrant indigenous film industry for the future.