Trevor Sargent
Question:237 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the medium and long-term plans, if any, she has for the Irish Film Board in view of recent policy developments in this area. [2646/98]
Written Answers. - Irish Film Board.
As I indicated before Christmas in the Second Stage debate on the Film Board (Amendment) Bill, 1997, I am generally satisfied with the operation of Bord Scannán na hÉireann. The board is making a key contribution to the development and production of films which tell Irish stories in an impactful and entertaining way, thereby contributing to Irish cultural expression. Films supported by the board have attracted substantial market-based investment and pre-sales and have won international critical and audience acclaim at film festivals throughout the world. For example, three of the four last films to win the prestigious San Sebastian Best Film Award were Irish films supported by the board.
The film industry in Ireland has, since the early 1990s, undergone a period of strong growth, driven by incentives provided by the Government. Clearly, the circumstances of the industry are now very different from those in the early 1990s. Accordingly, it is an appropriate time to review policy generally in regard to the industry and it is my intention, shortly to establish a think tank to draw up a strategic plan for the next ten years for the industry which will provide the basis for appropriate, timely and effective policy decisions. Clearly the future role of Bord Scannán na hÉireann will be one of the principal issues to be considered in this context.