Ruairí Quinn
Question:12 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will make a statement on her recent visit to the United States. [6301/00]
Written Answers. - Film Industry Development.
Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera): As the Deputy is no doubt aware, I have just returned from Los Angeles where I met US film industry leaders.
Meetings and contacts took place with Twentieth Century Fox; HBO; Warner Brothers Pictures; William Morris Agency and MGM Pictures. These companies were selected on the basis of their potential to contribute to the development of the film industry in Ireland. I also visited the Screen Commission of Ireland stand at the Locations Expo. I also hosted a reception for US film industry leaders and Irish industry professionals visiting Los Angeles for the American Film Market.
The Deputy will be aware of the importance I attach to further developing and strengthening the links between the US film industry and the Irish film industry and of my strong view that meetings and events such as those recently held in Los Angeles are vitally important in ensuring that Ireland is kept very much in the minds of decision makers in Hollywood when considering making a film in Europe. During my visit, I availed of every opportunity to emphasise that Ireland is a rich source of talent and creativity and that opportunities exist for US producers to work with Irish producers in developing stories for the international market. I received very positive reaction and I am confident that my visit has created opportunities which will be pursued by the Screen Commission.