Billy Timmins
Question:94 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the objectives of the Screen Commission; the plans, if any, she has to expand on these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6857/99]
Written Answers. - Screen Commission.
The primary task of the Screen Commission is to market abroad the many attractions of Ireland as a film and television production location. Its specific terms of reference are as follows: to promote Ireland as a film and television production location and centre internationally by marketing the tax advantages and other incentives, the range of facilities, the body of professional crew, actors and creative personnel, and the variety of locations available; to faciltate incoming and indigenous production by providing information from a one stop source by co-ordinating a network of national and regional organisations, commercial, State and State-sponsored companies and individuals; to encourage the location of international distribution companies, facilities companies, creative and talent agencies and international producers to Ireland on a long-term strategic basis; generally to promote Ireland as a film and television production location internationally to attract film and television production to Ireland, and to co-ordinate and integrate as appropriate the efforts of local bodies with similar objectives.
I established the Screen Commission on an operational basis last year and it has since been actively carrying out its functions. The expanding operations of the Screen Commission are reflected in the recent launch by me of the commission in Los Angeles and its attendance at the Film Locations Exposition there.
I have no plans to expand its role pending receipt of the report of the strategic review group for the Irish industry and consideration of recommendations it may make relating to the functions of the Screen Commission.