Bernard J. Durkan
Question:32 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has for the expansion of the film industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2850/98]
Written Answers. - Film Industry.
The film industry in Ireland has, since the early 1990s, undergone a period of strong growth, with the consequent expansion of the pool of skills and facilities and services available for film production in Ireland. This has been supported and driven by incentives provided by the Government, in partnership with Irish film industry professionals.
Clearly, the circumstances of the industry are now very different from those in the early 1990s. Things have moved on both at national and international level. Technological developments are presenting new opportunities and challenges. Accordingly, it is an appropriate time to review policy generally in regard to the industry to ensure that we do not lose the momentum gained, that growth and expansion continue, and that our policies continue to be up-to-date and responsive to the demands of the new millennium. For this reason I have announced that I will shortly be establishing a think tank to draw up a strategic plan for the next ten years which will provide the basis for appropriate, timely and effective policy decisions.