Vol. 486 No. 1
353 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the receipts in each of the years 1996 and 1997 in relation to military assistance for film making and also Army band fees; and if the total cost of the band fees are recouped from those engaging bands in view of the cost of transport and payments of subsistence allowances. [1282/98]
Receipts for the use of military property in connection with film making for these years were as follows: 1996 £22,150; 1997 £23,560.
In addition, £675,000 was paid to the Department by the makers of the film, "Saving Private Ryan", part of which was filmed in Wexford in 1997. This money was in respect of the cost of allowances paid to military personnel who acted as extras in the film and the catering costs arising from military participation in the project. The fee also included an amount of £20,000 in respect of administration and miscellaneous expenses.
In addition to the foregoing, Defence Forces equipment is lent or hired to film production companies from time to time. In such cases, permission to use the relevant equipment is given subject to the payment of a fee, adequate insurance cover being effected in respect of loss of or damage to the equipment and the indemnification of the Minister for Defence against any claims, actions, etc. arising from the use of the equipment for non-military purposes. Receipts for assistance of this nature totalled £2,749.45 in 1996 and £934 in 1997.
Army band fees for the periods in question amounted to the following: 1996 £3,400; 1997 £4,950.
Those engaging Army bands are required to provide suitable transportation for the conveyance of the band and their equipment to and from the venue. In some cases, those engaging Army bands elect, with the agreement of the officer commanding, Army School of Music, to pay the transportation costs of the band rather than providing the transport themselves. With regard to subsistence costs, these do not arise as the organisers of events at which Army bands perform are required to provide a suitable meal for the band members where the engagement requires them to be absent from barracks during normal meal times.
In the majority of cases, the services of the Army bands are provided free to festivals and community events where admission fees are not being charged by the organisers. Transportation and subsistence arrangements in these cases are as outlined.
