Vol. 508 No. 5
43 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the introduction of a levy for the purposes of video rental or cinema viewing in order to support the film industry and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17467/99]
The report of the Film Industry Strategic Review Group recommends that in order to supplement increased Exchequer funding in the context of a strengthened Irish Film Board, a levy of 5 per cent on cinema tickets and video rental and sales should be introduced. I published the report in August and allowed a period for the receipt of public comment thereon. I am at present considering the conclusions and recommendations contained in this report together with submissions received from the public on its content. These will form the basis for the proposals I will bring to Government for the future development of the Irish film industry.
