Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 5

Written Answers - Film Industry Development.

Tom Enright

Question:

29 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the current state of the Irish film industry; the proposals, if any, she has for its future development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6536/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

Following the report of the special working group on the film production industry established in 1992 by the then Taoiseach, Deputy Albert Reynolds, a programme of concerted Government investment in the film industry was initiated, commencing in 1993.

This programme resulted in a rapid development of the potential of the industry, with production figures rising from two or three feature film productions each year to current levels of some 18 feature films each year. In addition, a number of widely popular international television series have been produced here, in some cases running to several series, over a number of years.

Over the period 1992-98 there has been a corresponding growth in the number of people employed in the industry, with increasing levels of skill and competence made possible by the dramatically increased opportunities for on the job training backed by measures provided by Screen Training Ireland. Providers of facilities have also availed of the opportunity offered by this sustained production to investment and expand.

The level of film activity now is such that there can be no doubt as to the potential for a firmly established and increasingly commercial and competitive indigenous film and television production industry here, and also serving the demands of the international market.

Looking to the future, I am establishing an industry think thank to evaluate the effectiveness of existing schemes and incentives and to formulate a strategic plan for the future of the industry. Arrangements for the operation of the screen commission are now being finalised and the necessary funding for its activities having been secured. I understand that an announcement about this matter will be made shortly by Bord Scannán na hÉireann. These initiatives will make a major contribution to the future strength of the Irish film industry into the next millennium.