Vol. 511 No. 2
12 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals, if any, she has brought to Government to determine a strategic plan for the film industry; if these have been approved; if the strategic plan will be announced shortly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22176/99]
40 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands when she will bring forward her promised proposals for the future of the film industry; if she has received Government approval and financial commitment to put them in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23735/99]
52 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the steps, if any, she will take to implement a strategic plan for the Irish film industry based on the report of the film industry strategic review group in view of the commitment in the review of An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23693/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos, 12, 40 and 52 together.
In the review of An Action Programme for the Millennium, published recently, the Government has given a clear commitment to the implementation of a strategic plan for the Irish film industry based on the report of the Film Industry Strategic Review Group.
Having considered the in-depth report and recommendations of the group, I have developed my proposals for a strategic plan for the Irish film industry. I will bring these proposals to the Government soon for consideration.
What is the current status of section 481? Has the Minister made proposals for its extension in the budget on 1 December?
The Deputy is well aware of my view on section 481 and how useful it has been to the film industry. This is a budgetary matter and a decision on that issue will be taken in that context. I will put forward clear recommendations on this matter to the Government.
Arising from the Minister's trip to Los Angeles last year and her comments on section 481 at that time, what has been the response in terms of the roll out of feature films in Ireland since then? Has uncertainty been created as a consequence of there being no long-term future for section 481?
On the question of section 481 and the reference the Deputy made to it being extended for another year, the reason it was given an extra year – the Deputy will know it was due to expire in 1999 – was that this review was being undertaken. Now that we have this information I will go to Government with it. The Deputy will be delighted to hear also that the Film Board will be able to report tremendous progress in the indigenous film sector, as many people are seeking assistance in this area. That is very important. If we are to have a strengthened film industry we must see the growth of our indigenous film industry, which is growing apace.
Does the Minister agree that most informed opinion in the film industry suggests a minimum of three years, or ideally four and a half years, is what is needed to encourage external investment in the Irish film industry? Has she represented this view to the Minister for Finance? The Minister should also indicate how many films from abroad are currently in production in Ireland compared to last year.
The answer to the first two questions is "yes". I gave the figures for the answer to the last question the last or second last time I took questions in the House, but I can get those numbers again. The Deputy will be very encouraged by the fact that the indigenous industry is growing, which is very positive.
Which questions were grouped together?
Questions Nos. 12, 40 and 52 were grouped together. Because there are three questions grouped together, 18 minutes is allowed.
The Minister did not answer the question about foreign films, though she was asked by two Deputies.
I explained that I do not have the numbers to hand, though I had them on the last occasions I took oral questions.
Is it less than 50%?
I was able to outline the figures because a direct question was asked. Perhaps the Deputy would like to put down a question on the matter.
I will. I will make the Department work.
I am grateful to the Minister and am happy to have the figures supplied. I agree with her on the importance of the indigenous sector also. Can the Minister comment on the report on film training needs towards the year 2000 that was commissioned by STATCOM and that identified skill gaps between the time of the revitalisation of the film industry and the year 2000. Can the Minister indicate whether she is satisfied there has been sufficient progress in this regard?
Does the Minister have any proposals to encourage local authorities, either in combination or on a regional basis, to establish film commissions? Only two local authorities, Wicklow and Wexford, have established film commissions to date.
And Kerry.
Is she happy that this should be encouraged?
To take the last question first, I would encourage counties to set up their own film commissions. Kerry was the last county to do so and Deputy Deenihan kindly asked me down to the opening, which was a day of great celebration. It is most important that local authorities take an interest in the film industry, as that is the way forward. That is why I felt there was a need to set up a national film commission. We promised that when in Opposition and we have already delivered on it.
Regarding film training and skills, the Deputy will be aware that the strategic group referred in its report to every element of the film industry, not least the training and education areas. That group put forward approximately 20 recommendations and my proposals to Government will be substantially based on those recommendations. The training area will be incorporated in any proposals I put to Government.
